Hurricanes Affect Wildlife Also, But They Have A Sixth Sense To Prepare.

As our service area prepares to hunker down for what “they” are saying will be the worst hurricane we have seen since the 1930’s, I thought I would focus on the “sixth sense” our local wildlife possesses.

Have you ever noticed the quite before the storm?  It’s like there are no wildlife to be seen or found.  I know I have been witnessing this, or taking note of this for years.  I have an abundance of birds in my backyard, but as the dark clouds move in over the Shawgunk Mountains the birds inevitably take cover and typically way before the lighting or rain begin.  My dogs look for me and follow me around.  Do you think this is a coincidence or is there more to it?

There are many theories from the ability for the wildlife to have greater sensitivity to the drop in barometric pressure or other electromagnetic field variations that change when storms or disasters are approaching.  Another theory is that they can “hear” infrasound, sounds produced by natural phenomena, including earthquakes, volcanoes and storms that are inaudible to the human ear.  They also may have a greater sensitivity to the vibrations felt on the ground generated from a tsunami or other incoming devastation.

The interesting part is there are no real scientific studies out there that provide conclusive evidence to any of the theories.  All we have are many examples and experiences that provide evidence that wildlife can in fact predict the weather.  For example, when South Asia had the devastating Tsunami, which caused a large death toll and a large path of destruction, it was surprising how low the count was for loss of wildlife.   Sri Lankan wildlife officials reported that they found no dead wild animals, including elephants.   A photographer also reported seeing no animal corpses as he flew over the wildlife reserve – only active wildlife.   An amazing fact when you consider the floodwaters traveled up to two miles inland into the wildlife reserve.   That clearly is an amazing example of their ability to predict the weather.

Here are some other examples:

• Frogs croak louder and longer than usual.
• Roosters crow later in the day.
• Birds fly lower to the ground and gather on tree branches and telephone wires.
• Pigs squeal more and gather sticks to make a nest.
• Cows lay down in the fields to feed, and lay down to ensure they have a dry spot to lie. Cows also run around the field with their tails raised high swatting flies before a storm.
• Bees and butterflies seem to disappear from the flowerbeds they usually visit.
• Red and black ants build up their mounds around the holes, and may actually cover the hole.
• Fish jump out of the water and nip at low flying insects.

And for some fun….history is full of weather lore’s…I will leave you with a few pertaining to wildlife:

•  If a cat washes her face o’er her ear, ’tis a sign the weather will be fine and clear.
• Rainbow in the morning, shepherds take warning. Rainbow at night, shepherds delight.
• I know ladies by the score, whose hair foretells a storm; long before it pours, their curls take a drooping form.
• Mares tails and mackerel scales, Make lofty ships carry low sails. When the wind is in the north, the skillful fisher goes not forth. When the wind is in the east, ’tis good for neither men nor beast. When the wind is in the south, it blows the flies in the fish’s mouth. But when the wind is in the west, there it is the very best.
• Fish bite least, with wind in the east.
• When the ditch and pond affect the nose, look out for rain and stormy blows.
• A coming storm your shooting corn presage, and aches will throb, your hollow tooth will rage.
• If your corns all ache and itch, the weather will make a switch.
• If birds fly low, expect rain and a blow.
• If the rooster crows on going to bed, you may rise with a watery head.
• Trout jump high, when rain is nigh.
• Cats and dogs eat grass before a rain.
• A swarm of bees in May is worth a load of hay.
• When sheep gather in a huddle, Tomorrow will have a puddle.
• Expect the weather to be fair, when crows fly in pairs.
• If woolly worms are dark, the coming weather will be severe.
• When ladybugs swarm Expect a day that’s warm.
• When chickens scratch together, there’s sure to be foul weather.
• When pigs carry sticks, the clouds will play tricks. When they lye in the mud, No fears of a flood.

• If the sparrow makes a lot of noise, rain will follow. What always amazes me is how much we can count on many of these peculiar behaviors. So the next time you notice animals acting a bit strange, pay close attention, they may be trying to give you a warning.

If you are experiencing a nuisance wildlife issue and require assistance with raccoon removal, squirrel removal, woodchuck removal, bat removal, bird removal, snake removal or skunk removal, give Wildlife Busters a call toll free at 855-945-1212 and we will resolve your wildlife management issue professionally, efficiently and humanely. Please note that all of our wildlife exclusion services come with a 1 to 5 year warranty, which can be extended upon expiration with one of our long-term prevention plans. Please give us a call or check out our website for more information.

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