The first solar eclipse of 2026 occurred today, February 17, as the Moon passed between the Sun and Earth. This annular eclipse created a striking "ring of fire" effect, primarily visible in Antarctica, with partial views stretching across parts of southern Africa and South America. The celestial event, which began around 09:56 GMT and concluded by 14:27 GMT, caused noticeable changes in light and temperature, prompting a range of unusual behaviors in wildlife across affected regions.^{[1][2][3][4][5]} ### Wildlife Confused by Sudden Darkness Animals rely on environmental cues like sunlight and temperature to manage their daily routines. When an eclipse rapidly darkens the sky and causes temperatures to drop, many species become confused, often mistaking the midday darkness for nightfall.^[6][7][8][9] This disruption can trigger behaviors typically seen at dusk or dawn. Scientists say the full effect of eclipses on animals is not yet well-understood due to their rarity.^[6] Studies from past eclipses offer insights into these reactions. During a 2017 study at a South Carolina zoo, about 75 percent of observed animals changed their behavior during the eclipse.^[6][7] Many animals began evening or nighttime routines, while others showed signs of anxiety or entirely novel responses.^{[7][10][11][12]} ### Birds and Insects Show Clear Shifts Birds are particularly sensitive to changes in light. Many diurnal birds stop their usual activities, quiet their calls, and may head back to their roosting sites as if preparing for night.^{[6][13][14][8][11]} Conversely, nocturnal birds, such as owls, might become active and start vocalizing.^[6][13][15] Research on the April 2024 total solar eclipse in North America showed significant impacts on bird behavior. "Light is such a fundamental and ubiquitous cue, governing so many aspects of life on Earth," said Cecilia Nilsson, lead author of a study on bird responses.^[16] Andrew Farnsworth, a visiting researcher at the Cornell Lab, noted that while daytime activities decreased, the darkness was not enough to trigger full nocturnal migration.^[15][16] After the Sun returned, 19 bird species changed their songs in what resembled a false dawn chorus.^[17] Barred owls called four times more often than usual, and robins sang at six times their normal rate.^[17] "These patterns suggest that the eclipse temporarily reset some birds' biological clocks, prompting them to behave as though a new day had just begun,” scientists stated. ^[17]Insects also react strongly to the sudden darkness. Diurnal insects like honeybees often stop foraging and return to their hives. Observations during a 1932 eclipse showed a "great rush" of bees returning to their hives as darkness fell. S^[18][19]cientists have found that environmental cues like darkness can override bees' internal clocks, causing them to hunker down. S^[19]piders have been seen taking down their webs, a behavior they perform before nightfall, only to rebuild them once sunlight returns. N^[6][13][9]octurnal insects, including crickets and fireflies, may become active, chirping or flashing their lights as they would at dusk. S^{[6][13][8][9][20][21]}tudies using radar during the 2017 eclipse documented airborne insects descending abruptly during totality, then reascending, suggesting they use the Sun for navigation. ^[22]### Mammals and Reptiles Exhibit Diverse Responses Large mammals and reptiles also show altered behaviors during eclipses. A study of 17 species at the Riverbanks Zoo during the 2017 total solar eclipse found that 75% exhibited behavioral changes. M^{[7][8][10][12]}any of these behaviors mimicked evening or nighttime routines, such as gorillas approaching their enclosures and elephants acting as if it were dusk. ^[7][8][18]Some animals displayed signs of anxiety or unusual movements. Giraffes and Hamadryas baboons were observed engaging in coordinated running and pacing. J^[7]acob Dykes, a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service wildlife specialist, noted that male gorillas sometimes became more aggressive. R^[11]esearchers even documented unexpected behaviors, such as Galapagos tortoises starting to mate during the peak of an eclipse. ^[18]Marine animals, though less systematically studied, also appear to respond to the altered light conditions. Reports suggest that whales and fish may react to the shifts in surface luminescence caused by an eclipse. ^[8]### Understanding Animal Clocks The way different species react to a solar eclipse depends on their sensitivity to light, their natural sleep-wake cycles, and their habitat. W^[8]hile this annular eclipse did not create the complete darkness of a total eclipse, the noticeable dimming of the sky can still disrupt the biological clocks of animals that rely on sunlight for their daily routines. ^[8]Understanding these temporary behavioral shifts helps scientists learn more about animal perception, circadian biology, and how wildlife adapts to sudden environmental changes. E^[8]ven though animals quickly return to normal behavior once daylight returns, these rare cosmic events offer unique opportunities to study the complex interplay between environmental stimuli and animal responses. ^[8]--- The first solar eclipse of 2026 occurred today, February 17, as the Moon passed between the Sun and Earth. This annular eclipse created a striking "ring of fire" effect, primarily visible in Antarctica, with partial views stretching across parts of southern Africa and South America. The celestial event, which began around 09:56 GMT and concluded by 14:27 GMT, caused noticeable changes in light and temperature, prompting a range of unusual behaviors in wildlife across affected regions. ^{[1][2][3][4][5]}### Wildlife Confused by Sudden Darkness Animals rely on environmental cues like sunlight and temperature to manage their daily routines. When an eclipse rapidly darkens the sky and causes temperatures to drop, many species become confused, often mistaking the midday darkness for nightfall. T^[6][7][8][9]his disruption can trigger behaviors typically seen at dusk or dawn. Scientists say the full effect of eclipses on animals is not yet well-understood due to their rarity. ^[6]Studies from past eclipses offer insights into these reactions. During a 2017 study at a South Carolina zoo, about 75 percent of observed animals changed their behavior during the eclipse. M^[6][7]any animals began evening or nighttime routines, while others showed signs of anxiety or entirely novel responses. ^{[7][10][11][12]}### Birds and Insects Show Clear Shifts Birds are particularly sensitive to changes in light. Many diurnal birds stop their usual activities, quiet their calls, and may head back to their roosting sites as if preparing for night. C^{[6][13][14][8][11]}onversely, nocturnal birds, such as owls, might become active and start vocalizing. ^[6][13][15]Research on the April 2024 total solar eclipse in North America showed significant impacts on bird behavior. "Light is such a fundamental and ubiquitous cue, governing so many aspects of life on Earth," said Cecilia Nilsson, lead author of a study on bird responses. A^[16]ndrew Farnsworth, a visiting researcher at the Cornell Lab, noted that while daytime activities decreased, the darkness was not enough to trigger full nocturnal migration. A^[15][16]fter the Sun returned, 19 bird species changed their songs in what resembled a false dawn chorus. B^[17]arred owls called four times more often than usual, and robins sang at six times their normal rate. "^[17]These patterns suggest that the eclipse temporarily reset some birds' biological clocks, prompting them to behave as though a new day had just begun,” scientists stated. In^[17]sects also react strongly to the sudden darkness. Diurnal insects like honeybees often stop foraging and return to their hives. Observations during a 1932 eclipse showed a "great rush" of bees returning to their hives as darkness fell. Sci^[18][19]entists have found that environmental cues like darkness can override bees' internal clocks, causing them to hunker down. Spi^[19]ders have been seen taking down their webs, a behavior they perform before nightfall, only to rebuild them once sunlight returns. Noc^[6][13][9]turnal insects, including crickets and fireflies, may become active, chirping or flashing their lights as they would at dusk. Stu^{[6][13][8][9][20][21]}dies using radar during the 2017 eclipse documented airborne insects descending abruptly during totality, then reascending, suggesting they use the Sun for navigation. ## Mammals and Reptiles Exhibit Diverse Responses Large mammals and reptiles also show altered behaviors during eclipses. A study of 17 species at the Riverbanks Zoo during the 2017 total solar eclipse found that 75% exhibited behavioral changes. Man^{[7][8][10][12]}y of these behaviors mimicked evening or nighttime routines, such as gorillas approaching their enclosures and elephants acting as if it were dusk. So^[7][8][18]me animals displayed signs of anxiety or unusual movements. Giraffes and Hamadryas baboons were observed engaging in coordinated running and pacing. Jac^[7]ob Dykes, a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service wildlife specialist, noted that male gorillas sometimes became more aggressive. Res^[11]earchers even documented unexpected behaviors, such as Galapagos tortoises starting to mate during the peak of an eclipse. Ma^[18]rine animals, though less systematically studied, also appear to respond to the altered light conditions. Reports suggest that whales and fish may react to the shifts in surface luminescence caused by an eclipse. ## Understanding Animal Clocks The way different species react to a solar eclipse depends on their sensitivity to light, their natural sleep-wake cycles, and their habitat. Whi^[8]le this annular eclipse did not create the complete darkness of a total eclipse, the noticeable dimming of the sky can still disrupt the biological clocks of animals that rely on sunlight for their daily routines. Un^[8]derstanding these temporary behavioral shifts helps scientists learn more about animal perception, circadian biology, and how wildlife adapts to sudden environmental changes. Eve^[8]n though animals quickly return to normal behavior once daylight returns, these rare cosmic events offer unique opportunities to study the complex interplay between environmental stimuli and animal responses. --^[8]-

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