Jul 28, 2025

Can Animals Sense Earthquakes Before Humans?

Lifestyle Desk

The Ancient Belief:

For centuries, people observed strange animal behaviour before earthquakes- restlessness, fleeing, or loud vocalising.

Source: pexels

Real-Life Incidents:

Before the 2004 tsunami, elephants ran to higher ground, and dogs refused to go outside. This sparked global curiosity.

Source: pexels

What does science say?

Researchers believe animals may detect seismic waves or underground vibrations that humans can’t perceive.

Source: pexels

Sensitive Senses:

Animals have sharper hearing, smell, and pressure sensitivity. This might help them notice small pre-quake shifts.

Source: pexels

P-Waves vs. S-Waves:

Animals may sense P-waves (fast, mild tremors) seconds before the more damaging S-waves hit.

Source: Wikipedia commons

Farm Animals Act Weird:

Studies show cows, sheep, and dogs often act anxious or erratic hours before a quake.

Source: pexels

The Earth’s Magnetic Field:

Some scientists suggest animals might detect changes in Earth's magnetic field before earthquakes.

Source: pexels

Still Not 100% Proven:

While many stories exist, there's no conclusive scientific proof—yet. Research is ongoing worldwide.

Source: pexels

Whether instinct or science, animals may hold the key to future quake prediction.

Source: pexels

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