LUCAS — Researchers remain curious regarding the behavior of wildlife during the upcoming total solar eclipse.
Jordann Littleton, a naturalist aide at Malabar Farm State Park, discussed Saturday how a number of species may respond to the phenomenon.
“Obviously, this (eclipse) is very unexpected for them (wildlife) and they don’t know what’s going on,” she said. “During the eclipse, it’s important and fun to pay attention to the wildlife and how they react to everything.”
Littleton led educational conversations with park visitors from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday — discussing the possible reactions of mammals, birds and insects.
Possible reactions largely remain ‘unknown’
The last time Ohio experienced a total solar eclipse was in June 1806. According to the Ohio Emergency Management Agency, the next total solar eclipse to pass over the Buckeye State won’t be until 2099.
Due to the event’s rarity, Littleton said most research has been collected from states around the country.
“Apparently in other states, they’ve noticed that insects will change their tone and noises that they’re making,” she said, adding birds have also been seen chirping in different tones or becoming quiet.
Littleton also explained the eclipse can “induce fear” among mammals — something the state’s Division of Wildlife is preparing for, she said.
“They’ll (mammals) go into their dens, thinking it’s nighttime,” she said. “When the eclipse comes, there’s supposed to be a decrease in temperature. The suddenness of that definitely affects them.”
While observing the reactions of wildlife Monday, Littleton will also be watching for responses from the farm animals and livestock at Malabar Farm.
The farm includes a wide selection of animals including cows, turkeys, chickens, goats, sheep, pigs, miniature horses and a Shetland pony.
“It’ll be interesting to see here how our animals react,” she said. “Will the cows come up to the barn? Will our goats be anxious or anything like that?”
“That could be a really cool place to watch the eclipse, as well as our animals and how they react.”
(Below is a video from the Associated Press discussing animal reactions witnessed at the Riverbanks Zoo in South Carolina during the total solar eclipse on Aug. 21, 2017.)
Eclipse events at Malabar Farm
Several events related to the eclipse are planned for Sunday and Monday at Malabar Farm.
Tours of the Big House — historic conservationist Louis Bromfield’s former dwelling — will be available Saturday from 10:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Visitors may also join park naturalists from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to hike the Ferguson Meadow trail. From 2 to 3 p.m., a naturalist will lead discussion at the Main Barn regarding farm animals’ possible reactions to the eclipse.
On Monday, the park’s visitor center will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
An eclipse watch party is planned from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Monday at the visitor center. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources will be handing out eclipse glasses — but strongly encourages visitors to bring their own due to limited supplies.
Furthermore, ODNR and Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities have partnered to provide assistive technology, for Ohioans who are blind or have low vision, to experience the eclipse through sound.
A full list of eclipse events happening at ODNR sites statewide can be found on the department’s website.
