COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — The solar eclipse is almost here and many people will be flocking to the path of totality. While we know the reaction from viewers, how will the animals react?
The Division of Wildlife wants your help to document any behaviors of animals before, during and after the solar eclipse through the iNaturalist app.
Sarah Schott with the Division of Wildlife explains what local residents might see from birds, mammals and even insects:
So we’re interested to see, particularly when those fake dusk and dawn periods come, are those birds starting to sing more there, and then they go quiet, and then they sing again? And then they maybe go about their regular daily activity in the afternoon?”
Other things like maybe skunks or raccoons that are more often active at night might come out. So any of those nocturnal species for that really short window period of time might become active.”
The mosquitoes are going to start coming out, and we all do experience that as dusk or dawn is around, the mosquitoes get worse. So you might notice there being more mosquitoes out around the time of eclipse.”
While the Division of Wildlife anticipates some changes in these particular animals and insects, will our pets be impacted?
Veterinarian Adam Parson with Upper Arlington Veterinary Hospital says pets don’t purposely look at the sun. However, he recommends that, if you see your pet getting anxious, to reassure them that they are safe.
“Find a nice safe spot for them. If they don’t like thunderstorms or fireworks and get nervous then, you know, make sure they’re in a place where they feel safe and secure and comfortable,” Parson said.
There is also no need to put eclipse glasses on your pet, but it could make a cute social media post!