The belief that animals, including pets, possess a mysterious ability to predict earthquakes has existed for centuries. From ancient Greek observations to more recent anecdotes, this phenomenon has captured the curiosity of pet owners and scientists alike. But can pets truly sense natural disasters before they occur? And if so, how do they do it?
Historical accounts suggest that animals have exhibited unusual behavior before major earthquakes. The ancient Greeks noted the exodus of rats, weasels, snakes, and centipedes from the city of Helice days before an earthquake in 373 BC. In 2004, the Indian Ocean Tsunami devastated coastal regions, but animals fared remarkably well, raising questions about their survival instincts.
The belief that dogs and cats can predict earthquakes is long-standing in China. The city of Haicheng was evacuated in 1975 based on the behavior of animals, potentially saving an estimated 150,000 lives.
Despite numerous anecdotes, scientists remain skeptical about animals' ability to detect earthquakes. It's challenging to test and verify in a controlled environment. Additionally, the reasons behind unusual animal behavior are not always clear, and people may only take note of it after a memorable earthquake.
Dr. Stanley Coren, the author of several books on dog communication, conducted a study at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. The study found that some dogs could detect an earthquake, with increased activity and anxiety observed 24 hours prior. Dr. Coren suggests that dogs use their remarkable sense of hearing to pick up high-pitch sounds of rocks scraping beneath the earth—an event that precedes earthquakes.
Dogs with pointy ears and smaller head sizes were better at detecting the sound than those with floppy ears and larger heads. While dogs may not understand the meaning behind the sound, it may be akin to nails on a chalkboard, prompting them to flee.
While further research is needed to fully understand animals' ability to predict earthquakes, the anecdotes, and studies so far offer intriguing insights. Whether it's through hearing, sensing electromagnetic waves, or detecting subtle tremors, pets continue to amaze us with their unique abilities.
Curious about other pet behaviors? Explore more topics and connect with the PetRelocation team here.