NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The animal kingdom is remarkable. According to a 2019 study from the Audubon Society, the veery, a species of thrush, is a small bird that is believed to somehow sense storms months in advance. Additionally, back in 2024’s Indian Ocean tsunami event, scientists began paying attention to the unique abilities of elephants because they can tune into low frequencies that come before tsunamis. Animals seem to be adept at knowing what could be coming their way, from a meteorological sense.
Mark Mitchell is a professor at the Louisiana State University Veterinary School and says, “There’s lots of studies that show that wildlife actually picks up on a lot of these storms, especially hurricanes. If you are outside and paying attention, you’ll often see that these animals are often disappearing well before the humans do.”
As major weather events happen and animals are driven by their instincts, there are increased chances of wildlife encounters. Being wary of animals during storms and when the lights go out is an added variable to take into account, in terms of safety.
“In some of these cases, you might find animals being displaced. There can be a venomous snake or alligators. It’s important that you call the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries during a situation,” explains Mitchell.
As wildlife is stirred up by weather events and scurries or flies to get out of the storm’s path, our pets don’t have that freedom. The ASPCA recommends paying attention to storm anxiety in our pets and keeping calm around them, allowing them to hide, create safe spaces for them and distracting them with games, music or television.
The belief is that pets are calmer if they notice their owners are calmer. It’s important to remember pets and livestock as we make our hurricane plans.
Every year, the Louisiana State University Veterinary School receives calls and visits from injured animals both wildlife and pets that were injured in the weather.
“I remember after Katrina, there were nearly hundreds of squirrel babies. We see about 1,300 hundred cases a year. We ask when young birds are blown out of the nest, to put them back. If animals are not injured, please leave them where they are. If they are injured, we are happy to assess them,” explains Mitchell.
Remember to stay safe and prepared this storm season.
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