Before earthquakes strike, animals often behave strangely—dogs panic and run, cats hide or flee, birds fly erratically, and fish may even leap from the water. A widely shared photo from Bangkok showed pigeons flying chaotically just moments before a 7.7-magnitude earthquake rattled a nearby high-rise.

These behaviors have sparked curiosity for years, suggesting that animals might sense earthquakes before they happen. However, science has yet to confirm a clear link. The lack of controlled studies and consistent data makes it difficult to prove that animals can predict seismic activity.

Still, the possibility remains intriguing. Animals may be reacting to subtle vibrations, shifts in the Earth’s magnetic field, or sounds that humans can’t detect. But without reliable evidence, it remains a mystery.

Today, researchers are beginning to revisit this idea using modern tools. Advanced vibration sensors, motion-detecting field cameras, and around-the-clock animal monitoring offer new ways to study these early signs. By collecting data on animal behavior in earthquake-prone areas, scientists hope to identify patterns that could one day lead to early warning systems.

While we’re not there yet, understanding how animals respond to natural forces may unlock new methods of disaster prediction—potentially saving lives in the future.