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October 2008

U. S. Naval Academy established, Oct 10th, 1845
Eleanor Roosevelt's Birthday, Oct 11th
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William Penn's Birthday, Oct 14th

Can Cats and Dogs Predict Earthquakes?

dogMany people believe that animals have a special sense, and can feel or predict earthquakes. Scientists have also given this question great consideration.

A German scientist, Helmut Tributsch, published an article about animal behavior and earthquakes. In it, he theorized that a flow of ions—electrically charged air—created by the friction of the Earth’s underground plates rubbing together just prior to earthquakes might be detectable to animals. Because animals have drier body surfaces than humans (they don’t sweat as we do), Tributsch believed they are more sensitive to the electrostatic charges that precede earthquakes.

There have been some great examples of animals acting strangely before earthquakes, yet no one has proven without a doubt whether or not animals, and in particular, cats and dogs can predict earthquakes. If you live in a place prone to earthquakes, the next time your dog or cat is acting funny, write it down. See for yourself whether your pet possesses an ability that would be of great help to geophysicists and seismologists.

Share any experiences you've had in our forum!

Tags: dogs, cats, animal predicting, earthquakes, prediction of earthquakes