13 Weird Ways Animals React Before a Hurricane Strikes

This post may contain affiliate links that earn me a small commission, at no cost to you. As always, I only recommend links I personally use and love!

Nature has its own unique way of signaling changes in the environment. Long before we had advanced technology and meteorological data to warn us of impending hurricanes, animals exhibited behaviors that signaled a storm was on the horizon. From birds flying inland to ants building higher mounds, the animal kingdom is attuned to the subtle shifts in the atmosphere. Here’s a look at some intriguing ways animals react before a hurricane strikes, serving as nature’s very own early warning system.

Birds Fly Inland

Before a storm hits, many birds sense the drop in barometric pressure and start flying inland to safer areas. This mass movement can sometimes be seen on weather radars.

Sharks Head to Deeper Waters

Research has shown that sharks can sense changes in the barometric pressure that come with a storm. As a hurricane approaches, they often head to deeper waters where it’s safer.

Dogs Become Restless

Many dog owners have reported their pets becoming restless or agitated before a storm. They might bark more, become anxious, or even hide.

Cats Seek Shelter

Cats have a tendency to hide when they sense a storm approaching. They might seek shelter in confined spaces or become more clingy to their owners.

Cows Lie Down

There’s an old saying that cows lie down before it rains. While it’s not exclusively tied to hurricanes, many farmers have noticed this behavior before storms.

Frogs and Toads Become Noisy

Amphibians, especially frogs and toads, often increase their calling before a storm, taking advantage of the coming rain for breeding.

Spiders Take Down Their Webs

Some species of spiders will dismantle their webs in anticipation of a storm, likely to save energy from having to rebuild after the storm passes.

Horses and Livestock Group Together

In the wild, horses and other livestock often huddle together during storms. On farms, they might become more agitated and try to group together in barns or under shelter.

Ants Build Their Mounds Higher

Ants are known to build their mounds higher before a storm to prevent flooding. If you see ant hills suddenly growing taller, it might be a sign.

Seagulls Go Silent

Seagulls and other coastal birds often go silent before a hurricane. The usually noisy shores can become eerily quiet.

Squirrels and Rodents Hoard Food

While squirrels are known hoarders, their activity might increase before a storm, gathering as much food as possible in anticipation of bad weather.

Fish Swim Deeper

Just like sharks, many fish sense the change in pressure and will swim to deeper parts of the water to avoid the rough waves and currents near the surface.

Bats Stay in Their Roosts

Bats, which usually come out at dusk, might stay in their roosts and avoid flying out if a storm is approaching.

You Might Be a Jerk if You Have One of These 12 Car Decorations

You Might Be a Jerk if You Have One of These 12 Car Decorations

Why Boomers Struggle with Today’s Pronouns

Why Boomers Struggle with Today’s Pronouns

15 US Foods That Are Banned in Other Countries

15 US Foods That Are Banned in Other Countries