Furry instincts

When crickets stop chirping, it’s time to run: 10 animal early warnings

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Long before radar and satellites, animals have relied on their sensory superpowers to detect natural disasters. From elephants hearing through the ground to ants reacting to tremors and storms in advance, many creatures exhibit behaviors that hint at impending doom—often hours or even days before it hits. Here's a list of 10 real ways animals are believed to detect and respond to natural disasters.

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Elephants can detect low-frequency seismic vibrations through their feet, known as infrasound. These sounds travel great distances through the ground, giving elephants an early warning system for earthquakes.

Field studies in Sri Lanka and Thailand have recorded elephants moving to higher ground hours before tsunamis and quakes.

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Dogs often display signs of anxiety—pacing, whining, hiding—before storms or earthquakes. In some cases, they have even alerted owners to seizures or cardiac events.

Their acute sense of smell and hearing allows them to detect subtle changes in barometric pressure and even the scent of ozone that precedes a thunderstorm. In quake-prone areas, dogs have been reported barking frantically seconds before tremors strike.

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Sharks can detect shifts in barometric pressure, allowing them to dive deeper before hurricanes strike.

In 2001, tagged bonnethead sharks in Florida were observed diving rapidly in response to Hurricane Gabrielle’s approach. Their pressure-sensitive lateral lines function like an early-warning system for dangerous storms.

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Ants have been observed to alter their foraging behavior and nest structure before earthquakes. Scientists believe they react to changes in soil gases and vibrations.

In addition to earthquakes, ants can also detect approaching storms. Changes in barometric pressure and humidity can cause ants to become more active or retreat deeper into their nests.

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As one would expect, birds are highly responsive to changes in air pressure. Many species change flight paths or stop migrating if a storm is coming.

In 2014, golden-winged warblers abruptly left Tennessee days before a deadly tornado outbreak, only returning after the threat passed. GPS trackers on some of the birds confirmed the sudden 900-mile round-trip escape.

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Fish have been recorded jumping out of the water just before earthquakes, possibly reacting to pressure or specific chemical changes.

In Japan, koi and eels exhibited panic-like thrashing and leaping before the 2011 Tōhoku quake. Researchers suggest their specialized senses can detect subtle pressure waves or dissolved gas anomalies in water.

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Rats often leave urban areas en masse before major flooding events. Sewer vibrations or scent cues may warn them of the incoming danger.

In India and Bangladesh, mass rat migration has historically preceded flash floods. Their survival relies on quickly identifying danger zones, and some believe their whiskers help detect water movement and even vibrations deep underground.

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Dolphins may be able to detect algal blooms (red tides) from miles away and often swim clear of affected areas.

Scientists believe their acute echolocation could help them sense chemical changes or detect developing dead zones. In Florida, dolphins have been observed avoiding regions impacted by Karenia brevis blooms long before any visible changes appear in the water.

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Frogs may alter their calls ahead of seismic activity, responding to low-frequency vibrations.

Researchers in Japan recorded changes in frog croaking patterns in the days before the 2011 quake. The frogs emitted less frequent and lower-pitched calls, suggesting discomfort from environmental shifts.

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Crickets often go silent ahead of disasters. This curious behavior may be linked to their sensitivity to ground vibrations and air pressure changes.

Studies in Indonesia noted decreased cricket chirping before tsunamis. The silence has been proposed as a natural indicator, potentially tied to shifts in humidity or ground tension.

Tasty taters

Pass the potato: 10 popular potato dishes across the globe

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Potatoes may be native to South America, but since their introduction to Europe by the Spaniards in the 16th century, they have made their way into kitchens around the world and become a staple in numerous cuisines due to their ease of cultivation, nutritional value, and the multitude of ways in which the can be cooked. So, let’s take a look at 10 potato-based dishes from around the world.

Causa Limeña (Perú)

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Causa Limeña (also known simply as Causa) is one of many potato-based dishes found in the birthplace of the potato. It is believed that the name comes from the Quechua word kawsay, which means "life" or "life-giver," due to the importance of the potato in Andean cultures.

Dating back to pre-Spanish times, this mini-casserole is made from layers of mashed potato stuffed with eggs, olives, yellow pepper, avocado, and sometimes tuna, chicken, or other types of meat, and typically served cold, often with a dollop of mayonnaise on top.

Gnocchi (Italy)

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Originally made with just semolina and eggs, this dumpling recipe evolved with the spread of potatoes across Europe, incorporating them as one of its main components. The name comes from the word gnocco, which means "little ball."

Gnocchi are extremely versatile and can be made from various ingredients, but the potato version has become one of the most recognizable and popular across the world.

Funeral Potatoes (U.S.)

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A staple of the American casserole repertoire, funeral potatoes get their name from their frequent appearance at post-funeral dinners, though they are also popular at potlucks and other social gatherings.

A cousin to the potato gratin, funeral potatoes are made with chopped or shredded potatoes, cheese, and pantry staples like onions, sour cream, and cream-based soups. They’re typically topped with crushed potato chips or cornflakes for a signature crunchy finish.

Olivier Salad (Russia)

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This dish is best known around the world as "Russian salad," and is believed to have been created in the 19th century by Russian chef Lucien Olivier.

There are several versions of the recipe, but they all include diced boiled potatoes, carrots, dill pickles, and a mayonnaise-based dressing, with other vegetables and meat cuts being optional.

Samosas (India)

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Samosas, meaning "triangular pastry" in Hindustani and Urdu, are filled pastries eaten in several Asian countries, with variations that include vegetables, meat, cheese, and even sweet fillings.

Indian samosas, in particular, are known for using potatoes as one of their main ingredients, especially in regions with large vegetarian populations. They are typically fried and served with chutney.

Poutine (Canada)

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One of the most recognizable Canadian dishes, poutine originates from the French-speaking region of Quebec, though its exact origins remain unclear. Some say its name comes from Québécois slang, meaning "mess."

The dish consists of French fries topped with fresh cheese curds and brown gravy, usually beef- or chicken-based. It is best prepared just before serving to prevent the curds from drying out and the fries from becoming soggy.

Bhajias (Kenya)

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Potatoes were introduced to Africa in the 19th century—much later than on other continents—but they have still become a staple due to their accessibility and versatility. One example of this is their presence in regional cuisines like that of Kenya.

Bhajias are a popular Kenyan street food, heavily influenced by Indian railroad workers. The name comes from a Hindi word meaning "fried vegetables," which has been adopted into Swahili. They consist of sliced potatoes seasoned with a mix of Kenyan and Indian spices that are then battered and fried.

Kugel (Eastern Europe)

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A traditional Ashkenazi Jewish dish, kugel is eaten in several Eastern European countries such as Lithuania, Poland, Russia, and Ukraine. Its name means "ball" or "sphere" in Yiddish, as kugel was originally baked in a round or ring-shaped form.

Predating the introduction of potatoes, kugel began as a bread-like dish with many variations. One of the most well-known modern versions is potato kugel, made by combining grated potatoes, onions, eggs, flour or matzo meal, oil, and spices, then baking the mixture in a casserole dish.

Gamjajeon (South Korea)

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Jeon is a type of pancake or fritter that is very common in Korean cuisine and popular for its versatility—almost anything can be made into jeon. Potatoes (gamja in Korean) are no exception.

But what makes gamjajeon special is that, unlike most other types of jeon, it doesn’t require a batter to hold the ingredients together. It’s typically made with just grated potatoes, a pinch of salt, and oil, then pan-fried until crisp and golden. It is often served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce and vinegar.

Patatas bravas (Spain)

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As the introducers of potatoes in Europe, Spanish cuisine has many potato-based dishes, the most famous being the Spanish omelette. However, patatas bravas is also a staple, usually served as a tapa in bars and restaurants. The name means "brave potatoes," referring to the spiciness of the sauce.

The dish consists of cubed fried potatoes served warm with a spicy brava sauce made from paprika, cayenne, and olive oil, thickened with a cornstarch slurry. In some regions of Spain, tomato is also added to the sauce.