Animals Can Foretell Earthquakes – But Not by Much

According to this article, some animals at the National Zoo showed signs of agitation before the recent earthquake.

Mostly just a few seconds before, though. Not long enough to provide any kind of useful warning to humans.

The record was set by red-ruffed lemurs, who showed signs of agitation fifteen minutes before the quake struck.

I wonder what they were reacting to.

reply to post by Astyanax

whats with the spam?

anyways, i recall seeing a video of the Cali earthquake in 2010 where a dog is sitting in a room, then instantly gets up and bolts. Five seconds later, the building starts shaking. If i can find it again ill post it.

Edit: here it is

reply to post by AuirOverrun


I remember that video too. I found it quite humorous when the large gentleman followed after the dog ran off, almost like he sensed it too

I would bet that they are reacting to electromagnetic waves - but that's just my guess.

I remember about a month ago or so, I noticed strange behavior on the part of the animals arond me (and posted about it) Two days later we had an earthquake (very uncommon where I am). I wonder if there was very small .....what do you call them?- Pre-shocks? that were just imperceptible to me, but not to them?

Originally posted by AuirOverrun
whats with the spam?

anyways, i recall seeing a video of the Cali earthquake in 2010 where a dog is sitting in a room, then instantly gets up and bolts. Five seconds later, the building starts shaking. If i can find it again ill post it.

Edit: here it is

edit on 29-8-2011 by AuirOverrun because: (no reason given)

Because rocks can support more shear/strain relationships than fluids, there are more modes/polarizations for seismic waves than for electromagnetic or sound waves. Some of these modes travel faster than the "main" part of the quake (highest amplitude/energy). That's what the dog felt (or possibly heard). A seismometer would sense the same thing. The problem is that this is only useful practically when the quake is far away (in which case it is not as damaging). Otherwise it's a curiosity like this---5 seconds.

reply to post by Open2Truth

I would bet that they are reacting to electromagnetic waves

What electromagnetic waves? Light? Infrared? Microwaves? X-rays? Radio waves?

The electromagnetic spectrum is pretty well understood. I’m not sure I understand how earthquakes can produce electromagnetic waves. Any ideas?