Study animal behavior during April 8th eclipse

By Blake Jackson

The University of Kentucky is seeking citizen scientists across the state to participate in a unique project! On April 8th, the United States will witness its first total solar eclipse in seven years, and Kentucky is positioned for a prime view. This celestial event offers a rare opportunity to study how animals react to a sudden shift in daylight.

Jacqueline Jacob, project manager for the UK Department of Animal and Food Sciences, explains the importance of citizen involvement: "Many research projects are increasingly using the public to gather data from wider areas and across diverse species. This survey is part of that trend."

The eclipse path will traverse eight Kentucky counties: Fulton, Hickman, Ballard, McCracken, Livingston, Crittenden, Union, and Henderson. Residents in these areas are encouraged to observe and record any changes in animal behavior, including:

• Variations in feeding, sleeping, movement, and vocalizations
• Unusual activity or signs of confusion
• Changes in productivity (e.g., egg-laying in chickens)

This crowd-sourced data will be compiled into a comprehensive report shared with all participants.

Historical records suggest solar eclipses can influence a wide range of creatures, from birds and mammals to insects and even plants. During past eclipses, researchers have observed fascinating phenomena:

• Birdsong abruptly stopping, documented as early as 1544 during a total eclipse.
• Fish exhibiting diverse responses, with some stopping feeding and others mimicking their nighttime behavior.
• Toads, typically nocturnal, actively searching for food during an eclipse.
• Animals like painted turtles displaying "nighttime" behaviors, seeking shelter like their sunset routine.
• Domestic birds like chickens and roosters mistaking the eclipse for dusk and settling down early.
• Similar "nighttime" reactions observed in horses, sheep, and cattle.

By participating in this project, citizen scientists can contribute valuable insights into animal behavior. This data will help researchers deepen our understanding of the connections between celestial events and life on Earth.

This total solar eclipse presents a unique opportunity for the public to engage in scientific exploration alongside the University of Kentucky. So, Kentuckians along the eclipse path, keep your eyes peeled on April 8th and help us unlock the mysteries of animal behavior during this celestial spectacle! Visit https://bit.ly/49bhC2z to participate.

Photo Credit: university-of-kentucky