On December 26, 2004, an earthquake along the Indian Ocean caused a huge tsunami that killed thousands of people in Asia and East Africa. However, wildlife officials at Sri Lanka's Yala National Park reported no mass animal deaths. Yala National Park is home to hundreds of wild animals.
Some researchers believe the animals at the park were able to sense the earthquake and moved to higher ground before the earthquake hit. Animals have good senses that help protect themselves from being hunted by their natural enemies. It is thought that their senses might also help them sense the coming disasters. Several countries have done research on the prediction of earthquakes by animals. There are two theories about how animals may be able to sense earthquakes. One theory is that animals sense the earth's shake. The other is that they can sense changes in the air. However, so far there has been no strong evidence about how animals may be able to sense earthquakes.
Other researchers are skeptical (怀疑) about using animals for earthquake predictions. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) officially states, "Changes in animal behaviors cannot be used to predict earthquakes. Even though there have been many cases of unusual animal behaviors before earthquakes, a connection between a specific behavior and an earthquake has not been made. Because of their fine senses, animals can often feel the earthquake at its earliest stages before the humans. That's why people say that the animal knew the earthquake was coming. But animals can also change their behaviors for many other reasons. "
Although scientists disagree on whether animal behaviors can be used to predict earthquakes, they all agree that it is possible for animals to sense changes in the environment before humans. Researchers around the world are continuing to study the connection between animal behaviors and earthquakes. It is hoped that these studies will help to predict earthquakes.
