Animals and the eclipse
Help us learn how animals
respond to eclipses!
We’re a group of scientists at Indiana University interested in learning more about how animals respond to different sorts of events — like the solar eclipse!
We’re inviting people to share reports of what the animals around them do during the eclipse. These can be informal stories or formal observations that follow our observation guidelines.
What might animals do?
Based on past reports, animals are most likely to behave as if it is night, show signs of anxiety, or seek comfort from others. Check out these stories in People Magazine or the Detroit Free Press for more on what to expect and interviews with study leader Dr. Erica Cartmill.
How should I record what I see?
Ideally, you would record what the animal does at three different times: before, during, and after the eclipse.
These observations can occur on different days, or all on the day of the eclipse.
On our reporting form, we’ll ask you a few questions about the type and age of the animal you observed and whether you only observed them during the total eclipse or before and after totality as well. We’ll also ask whether the animal is wild or a pet. Then we’ll ask you to categorize the animal’s reaction and give you room to describe it in as much detail as you’d like. We’ll also have a place to upload photos or video if you’d like.
