Unusual Animal Behavior May Predict Earthquakes

Researchers find evidence that animals can sense environmental changes before seismic events

Mar. 17, 2026 at 4:12am by Ben Kaplan

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For centuries, reports of unusual animal behavior before earthquakes have been dismissed as folklore. However, recent scientific studies suggest animals may genuinely respond to environmental changes preceding major seismic events. Researchers have observed patterns in animal behavior, such as amphibians abandoning breeding sites, livestock becoming restless, and entire forest communities falling silent, in the days and weeks before earthquakes. While the exact mechanisms are still unclear, the findings could help improve earthquake forecasting and preparedness.

Why it matters

As the global population increases, more people will be affected when earthquakes occur, making this research increasingly important. Understanding how animals respond to pre-seismic cues could provide an early warning system and help save lives. The findings also shed light on the complex ways animals perceive and respond to changes in their environment.

The details

Researchers have conducted several studies documenting unusual animal behavior before earthquakes. In 2009, a study in Italy found that 96% of common toads abandoned their breeding site five days before a magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck nearby. In Peru, motion-activated cameras in a national park recorded a sharp decline in animal activity across multiple species in the weeks leading up to a major earthquake in 2011. Studies have also found changes in the behavior and physiology of livestock, such as cows becoming restless and wandering into unusual areas, as well as changes in milk production and rumination. Pets like dogs and cats have also been reported to exhibit unusual restlessness prior to quakes.

  • In 2009, common toads in Italy abandoned their breeding site five days before a magnitude 6.3 earthquake.
  • In 2011, a major earthquake struck Peru, preceded by a steep decline in animal activity recorded by motion-activated cameras in the preceding weeks.

The players

Rachel Grant

A senior lecturer in bioscience at London South Bank University who has conducted research on animal behavior and earthquakes.

Friedemann Freund

A scientist for NASA who has proposed a leading hypothesis that changes in electrically charged particles in the air and soil prior to earthquakes may affect animal behavior.

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What they’re saying

“Although earthquakes are hard to predict even for humans, several studies suggest intriguing patterns in animal behaviour before seismic events.”

— Rachel Grant, Senior Lecturer in Bioscience (Mirage News)

“The key question is not whether animals behave differently, but why.”

— Rachel Grant, Senior Lecturer in Bioscience (Mirage News)

What’s next

Researchers are conducting ongoing studies, such as the 'Animal Alerts' trial in Lima, Peru, that aim to further explore the relationship between animal behavior and earthquake precursors. By combining animal data with environmental measurements, scientists hope to improve earthquake forecasting and preparedness.

The takeaway

While more research is needed, the growing body of evidence suggesting animals can sense environmental changes before earthquakes offers intriguing possibilities for developing early warning systems and better understanding the complex ways animals perceive and respond to their environment.