A man who proudly calls himself the King of Nature is by no means omnipotent. As it turned out, he fails not only to influence the course of natural disasters, but even to predict them accurately. It is known that the weather forecast carried out by the meteorological services often fails us. Who hasn't gotten wet in the rain, leaving the umbrella at home? Or, on the contrary, in sunny weather to languish from the heat under the load of warm clothes? It is worse when long-term forecasts, which are extremely important for agriculture, turn out to be wrong. Unforeseen droughts, prolonged rainstorms or early frosts often cause serious economic losses.
Alas! Modern science does not know enough effective methods that could completely prevent the destructive consequences of the vagaries of nature. But there is a way out. Scientists from many countries urge to seek help from representatives of the fauna, assuring that animals are better forecasters than all meteorologists put together.
Forecasters by nature
Official science does not deny the fact that birds and animals are endowed with high sensitivity to any changes in natural conditions. Before a person becomes aware of the approaching earthquake, they are able to catch the smallest fluctuations in the atmospheric column. They notice changes in soil temperature, wind direction and air humidity much earlier than humans. This was noticed by man for a long time: fish, birds, animals and insects react to the slightest changes in the weather with extraordinary sensitivity and absolutely unmistakable.
What explains this phenomenon?
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Many of them are endowed by nature with unique supersensitive biosynoptic "devices". Grasshoppers have a special tubercle on their antennae that can sense infrared radiation. Sharks and rays have channels in the front of the torso and on the head, allowing them to respond to the slightest temperature fluctuations.
It is known that owls, bats, dolphins, whales and most insects perceive ultra- and infrasonic vibrations, bee eyes are capable of responding to ultraviolet radiation, and cockroaches are susceptible to infrared. Since ancient times, humans have learned to predict changes in climate by observing the behavior of animals.
How were weather changes determined by the behavior of animals in Russia?
Most of all, it is associated with the behavior of our smaller brothers, who live directly side by side with a person. For example, in Russia it has long been believed that if a cat begins to tidy up its paws, one can hope for good weather. If, on the contrary, he presses himself against a warm radiator, tries to settle down on the owner's lap, curl up, hide his nose in wool or cover his muzzle with a paw - wait for frost. If a fluffy pet rolls freely on the floor, a thaw is coming soon. If at the same time the cat diligently wipes himself with his paw, you can safely count on sunny days. If the animal begins to scratch everything around with its claws - doors, walls, floors - this means that a strong wind will rise in summer and a blizzard in winter.
No less accurate forecasts about the weather for tomorrow are given by the dog - another of man's closest friends. In winter, the dog frolics towards the onset of a blizzard, in summer - to the rains. If the dog curls up into a ball - there will be a cold snap, if, spreading its paws to the sides, stretches out on the ground - it will soon get warmer. If a dog eats snow and scratches its back on the crust, expect frost.
Livestock has long also helped humans determine what the weather will be like tomorrow. If horses and cows are trying to eat for the future, it will rain. On the eve of a rainstorm, cows often lose milk. If the horse starts to snort - wait for sunny weather, if it shakes its head and snores - rain is coming. Rams in the face of a strong wind become pugnacious, donkeys start to wail.
Also, for many years, man has successfully managed to determine climate change by the behavior of wild animals, fish and birds.
Weather forecasters in the signs of the peoples of the world
The history of each of the peoples inhabiting the earth is associated with one or another kind of activity, which is a priority for them and to one degree or another depends on changes in the weather. Nomads, trappers, farmers and dashing hunters for centuries have observed the behavior of animals and made conclusions about how they are associated with certain changes in natural conditions. Each country has its own folk signs about the weather.
Marmot is the leader in the rating of biosynoptics
Leadership in the ranking of animals predicting climate change belongs to marmots. In the United States, the so-called Groundhog Day is officially recognized, which is celebrated on February 2. On this day, it is customary to observe how cute rodents crawl out of their holes. If the animal first looks out of the burrow and then crawls back, this is a sign that winter will continue for at least six more weeks. If the marmot confidently emerges from the burrow, then it will be early spring.
How do frogs portend the weather?
With the approach of a heavy downpour, frogs try to get ashore, and on the eve of good weather they arrange polyphonic concerts. In German folklore, it is said that you can find out what the day will be like tomorrow by placing a frog in a jar and dropping a strong branch there. If the frog starts climbing a branch - the weather will be good, if it just sleeps - you should wait for bad weather.
Bear and his shadow
In Serbia, Romania and Hungary, bears are observed at Sretenye. If, after waking up from hibernation and seeing its shadow, the animal is frightened and climbs back into the den - the winter will still last. If you cheerfully go for a walk in the woods, then winter is over.
Catfish seismograph
In Japan, the catfish is believed to be able to predict earthquakes. It was noticed that before the cataclysm the fish appears at the surface of the water. In the 90s of the last century, scientists completed a 16-year study of the catfish's ability to predict the movement of earth layers, but sufficient information was not collected to make convincing conclusions.
And further
According to the British, by counting the number of chirping of a cricket, you can find out not only whether it will rain tomorrow, but also the air temperature.
Bulgarians believe that if ducks start flapping their wings vigorously in the yard, it will certainly rain or snow.
In Iran, it is believed that sheep usually spin their ears in anticipation of bad weather.
In Spain, they are looking for an umbrella when they hear a goat sneeze.
The Chinese know: the appearance of a cloud of midges means inevitable rain.
The Brazilian may be upset to find an anthill in the bed of a dried-up river - according to this sign, a year-long drought should be expected ahead.
Tamila Gresko