The 2017 total solar eclipse will be here soon. You may be ready for the big event and know where and how you will experience it. Wildlife doesn’t plan ahead for totality but many species have been observed responding in differing ways.
As the sky begins darkening into a mid-day twilight, temperatures will drop by as much as 10-15 degrees and animals will react to changing light and weather cues.
Before the eclipse many daytime animals will be out and about like normal. Birds will fly and sing, bees and butterflies will be busy pollinating, and nocturnal animals will be inactive.
In the short span of totality, day and night species have been known to switch places. Daytime species have quietied and returned to nests, roosts and woods. Nighttime animals have been known to emerge during totality. You may hear cicadas, crickets, frogs, owls, night hawks and see bats flying during the darkness.
After the sun returns, birds have begun singing a morning chorus as if it were dawn again. Roosters have been known to crow again and frogs have begun croaking loudly.
A 1930's Journal of Science study from a total solar eclipse in New England found that during the second half of totality, mosquitoes emerged from grasses and trees in swarms and began biting in force. Fish in hatcheries stopped eating, some birds flew into houses, and honeybees swarmed hives in droves before the light disappeared. Butterflies and moths have been disturbed in past studies as they use the light for navigation.
Some nervous pets have been known to react so it's been recommended to keep them inside during the eclipse.
Listen and watch what wildlife does around you as you witness the total solar eclipse.
Places to Go to Experience Nature in Totality
The Missouri Department of Conservation has several Conservation Areas in the path of the total solar eclipse. You can experience this rare event in your favorite type of natural surroundings and enjoy fishing, hiking, bird watching and other favorite pastimes. A map and list of MDC viewing sites will show you which areas are in the path of totality as well as approximate times and directions. Make sure you are prepared with authentic, proper viewing glasses as well as outdoor necessities. Enjoy your time in the great outdoors during the Great American Solar Eclipse as it passes through the Show Me State.
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