An earthquake is one of the most dangerous natural disasters. The scary truth is—there is still no technology in the world that can accurately predict an earthquake hours before it happens. Scientists can only give warnings seconds before shaking begins.
But for hundreds of years, people have noticed something very interesting:
many animals behave strangely before an earthquake.
Dogs suddenly bark a lot, birds change their flying direction, snakes and frogs come out of their holes, cows and goats look restless and scared. These strange behaviors have been reported again and again in different parts of the world.
So the big question is:
Do animals really sense earthquakes before humans? What does science say?
Historical Evidence
This idea is not new. Long ago, people already noticed this connection.
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In Roman writings from the 1st century, there are stories of animals acting strangely before earthquakes.
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In ancient Chinese records, it is written that snakes and rats suddenly left their holes before big earthquakes.
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The most famous modern example happened in 1975 in Haicheng, China. A few hours before a strong earthquake, people saw unusual animal behavior. Authorities warned people to move to safe places. Because of this, many lives were saved.
However, scientists say this was a rare and special case, not something that always happens.
What Science Says About Animal Senses
Scientists believe animals may feel small changes in nature before an earthquake, even when humans cannot.
1. Feeling Tiny Ground Vibrations
Before a big earthquake, small cracks form deep underground, causing very weak vibrations. Humans cannot feel them, but animals like dogs, horses, elephants, and even insects may feel them early.
2. Changes in Air and Earth’s Electricity
Before earthquakes, electric changes can happen in the air and soil. Many animals are very sensitive to these changes.
3. Chemical Changes Underground
Before earthquakes, gases like radon may come out of the ground. Frogs, fish, and crabs can feel water changes very quickly and react fast.
Modern Research: Do Animals Really Change Behavior?
A European study found that cows, sheep, and dogs showed unusual behavior 4 to 20 hours before earthquakes. They became restless, moved more, and changed their eating habits.
Top earthquake scientists believe animals can sense environmental changes earlier than humans, but they also agree on one thing:
Animal behavior alone can never be trusted as a perfect earthquake warning.
Japan’s Experience: How Animal Behavior Is Used
In Japan, animal behavior is treated as a supporting warning sign, not a main prediction system.
Here is how they use it:
1. Long-Term Animal Data Collection
Universities and research centers record animal behavior for many years—cows, dogs, cats, deer, birds, frogs, and crabs.
2. Use of Sensors
Animals on farms wear motion sensors and tracking devices. Water chemicals are also monitored for fish and aquatic animals.
3. Public Participation
People report strange animal behavior through apps and online systems.
4. Government Analysis
All data—ground movement, gas release, and animal behavior—are analyzed together to assess risk.
What Should Be Done in Bangladesh?
Bangladesh is highly vulnerable to earthquakes, but animal-based observation is still not officially used.
Here are some practical steps that can help:
1. University Research Projects
Universities should start researching animal behavior and build a national animal behavior database.
2. Training Farmers
Farmers should be trained to recognize unusual animal behavior and report it.
3. Government Observation Center
A national animal behavior monitoring center can be created with help from livestock, fisheries, and weather departments.
4. Special Focus on Frogs, Fish, and Crabs
These animals react quickly to water and chemical changes, especially in rivers and wetland areas.
5. Media and Researchers Working Together
Media should publish science-based reports to raise public awareness.
Final Truth
Animal behavior is a valuable natural signal, but it is never a guaranteed earthquake prediction tool.
However, if Bangladesh follows the example of Japan—using research, sensors, data collection, and teamwork between farmers, scientists, and the public—a new early-warning possibility could be created in the future.
