In 1975, Chinese authorities evacuated 1 million people from Haicheng just hours before a 7.3 magnitude earthquake—all thanks to snakes. These reptiles abandoned their hibernation dens in the middle of winter, triggering the largest successful earthquake evacuation in history. But how exactly do snakes predict earthquakes?
In 373 BC snakes mass left the Greek city of Helike, which was soon destroyed by powerful seismic shocks and the subsequent tsunami. On February 4, 1975, in China, in the midst of hibernation, many snakes came out of their holes, heading towards safe habitats. This happened in the area of the Chinese city of Haicheng, which had a population of over 1 million residents. As a result, city authorities organized a quick evacuation. This prevented numerous casualties during the strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.3.
How snakes can predict earthquakes
Snakes are sensitive to changes in the environment due to a developed sensory system and acute hearing that can detect infrasound noises. The main organs of snakes that allow receiving invisible information to humans and other animals are:
- sense of smell – snakes use their forked tongue to scan the air, water, soil and surrounding objects. These samples allow to instantly learn about changes in the chemical composition of the environment and the appearance of dangerous components in it;
- sense of touch – snakes perfectly feel various kinds of vibrations, perceiving information through the skin. In the absence of hearing organs, they are able to detect the slightest noises, including vibrations in the low-frequency range, which are accompanied by shifts in rock layers during an earthquake;
- infrared vision allows snakes to track prey and quickly detect changes in the temperature of soil and groundwater, which is accompanied by the release of hot gas or vapor before an earthquake.
This sensitivity to environmental changes makes snakes ideal earthquake detectors. And the mass behavioral changes of reptiles indicate an impending disaster and the need to take urgent measures to evacuate.
Snakes aren’t the only animals with earthquake prediction abilities. Learn more about other natural earthquake warning signs and discover what sounds earthquakes make before they strike.
Snakes are the harbingers of earthquakes
Experts at the Nanning Seismic Research Center in Guangxi Province believe that no animals can predict earthquakes better than snakes. Chinese scientists have developed a new way to predict earthquakes – by observing the behavior of snakes. Experts from the earthquake department in Nanning, which is often hit by unexpected and strong seismic tremors, monitor local snake farms using internet-connected cameras. According to their claims, snakes can sense earthquakes 75 miles away and five days before.
Reptiles perceive low-frequency vibrations and environmental changes as extremely dangerous situation and because of this they can leave their nests even in winter. The director of the Nanning observation center said that before strong earthquakes, snakes behave strangely – they crash into walls, climb trees and try to leave their habitats in an attempt to avoid contact with vibrating layers of soil. The head of the high-tech earthquake monitoring center believes that observations of snake behavior can significantly improve the ability of scientists to predict earthquakes. He is convinced that the experience of using snakes as earthquake precursors should be extended to seismic observation stations in other regions of China. This will make short-term earthquake forecasts more accurate, activate a warning system in the area of a potential natural disaster and avoid human casualties.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can snakes really predict earthquakes?
Yes. Snakes can detect earthquakes 75 miles away and up to 5 days in advance, according to the Nanning Seismic Research Center in China. They sense low-frequency vibrations, temperature changes, and chemical alterations in groundwater.
How far in advance can snakes sense earthquakes?
According to Chinese scientists, snakes can detect seismic activity 5 days before an earthquake occurs and at distances up to 75 miles (120 km) from the epicenter.
What unusual behavior do snakes show before earthquakes?
Before earthquakes, snakes exhibit abnormal behavior including: leaving hibernation in winter, crashing into walls, climbing trees, and mass migration from their habitats.
Which country uses snakes to predict earthquakes?
China uses internet-connected cameras to monitor snake farms in Guangxi Province. The Nanning Seismic Research Center considers snakes the most reliable animal earthquake predictors.