How animals might behave during the Great American Solar Eclipse

CHARLOTTE, NC (FOX 46 WJZY) - The eclipse is getting closer and closer! While we’re all getting prepared by buying eclipse glasses to protect our eyes and making travel arrangements to be in the best spot to see the eclipse, has anyone thought about our four-legged friends? We should be preparing for how they will react to this rare solar event.

At Whispering Hope Farm in Gastonia, Rick Bond, one of the owners has plans for his animals which include: dogs, sheep, lamb, chickens, cows, horses, pigs, and ducks. One of the most beloved animals, a large horse named "Fifty," has a pair of sunglasses, but she won’t be looking at the sun. Rick Bond plans to put his animals where they feel the most comfortable. He wants to do this because the solar eclipse will likely disrupt their daily routine and confuse them. The chickens are very in tune with sunrise and sunset, so the sun going completely black will likely cause them cluck louder.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE

The solar eclipse can even confuse your normal pets such as dogs and cats. For instance, cats are nocturnal, so they may become a bit more active in the brief period of the sun being blocked out.

Dogs used to going to bed when it’s dark, may seem a little more tired than usual.  Ultimately, the eclipse is a strange disruption for animals, but concerns about them looking at the eclipse is unwarranted.

HOW TO PROPERLY VIEW THE ECLIPSE

Frankly, animals are not interested enough to look at the sun for a couple of minutes. However, animals and pets can be put where they feel safe (a room, their beds, etc.) if there is concern about how they will respond.

The Great American Eclipse is Monday, August 21. Share your favorite moments on social media using #EclipseonFOX.