How do animals react to different weather?
Animals, birds, insects and plant life have a far greater ability to sense and interpret weather changes and signs than humans, and this is linked to their natural survival instincts. Animals and birds react to signs in many different ways and their irregular behaviour and reactions can predict future significant changes in the weather. Science is yet to determine exactly how animals know what’s to come. Is it a rise or fall in atmospheric pressure; a reaction to the electromagnetic forces generated by sunspots; or even changes in the levels of humidity? Or, is it a combination of these factors, or something entirely different altogether? Whatever the triggers may be, they have an effect on the natural world around us. The behaviour of animal and plant life can vary depending upon the region in which they live, which is why it is important to know what is ‘normal’ behaviour in any particular region prior to attempting to read any signs as weather indicators. A reliable sign is one part of Australia may not be so in another, but can be used as a guide. For example, Australia has many different climatic conditions including alpine, arid, coastal, continental, temperate and tropical.
Animals sense the movements in air pressure that precede all weather changes. Watch the animals around you and see if you notice changes in their behavior with various types of weather. Humans have used animal behavior to predict weather and storms for centuries. Right before a rain, insect-eating birds, such as swallows, have a tendency to fly much lower to the ground, and bees and butterflies seem to disappear from the flower beds they usually visit.
some signs of bad weather;
( please keep in mind that animals may show these sings in other situations also)
Animals sense the movements in air pressure that precede all weather changes. Watch the animals around you and see if you notice changes in their behavior with various types of weather. Humans have used animal behavior to predict weather and storms for centuries. Right before a rain, insect-eating birds, such as swallows, have a tendency to fly much lower to the ground, and bees and butterflies seem to disappear from the flower beds they usually visit.
some signs of bad weather;
- Expect rain when dogs eat grass, cats purr and wash, sheep turn into the wind, oxen sniff the air, and swine are restless.
- If the bull leads the cows to pasture, expect rain; if the cows precede the bull, the weather will be uncertain.
- When cats sneeze, it is a sign of rain.
- When cattle lie down in the pasture, it indicates early rain.
- Bats flying late in the evening indicates fair weather.
- If the groundhog sees its shadow on Candlemas Day (February 2), six more weeks of winter remain.
- When horses and cattle stretch out their necks and sniff the air, it will rain.
- If the mole digs its hole 2½ feet deep, expect severe weather; if two feet deep, not so severe; if one foot deep, a mild winter.
- When pigs gather leaves and straw in all, expect a cold winter.
- When rabbits are fat in October and November, expect a long, cold winter.
- If sheep ascend hills and scatter, expect clear weather.
- Wolves always howl more before a storm.
( please keep in mind that animals may show these sings in other situations also)