ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) – Even though millions of people looked toward the sky for the eclipse, some may have noticed an interesting change with the wildlife here on Earth.

The Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center explains the shadow the moon cast on earth potentially caused some animals to think it was either dawn or dusk. That means nocturnal animals like owls or opossums might have started to come out even though it was the middle of the day.

SWVA Wildlife Center Executive Director Chester Leonard said in the past, farmers have even noticed their livestock like horses return to their stables.

“There is not evolutionary changes that happen associated with an eclipse because they happen so infrequently. So what you’re seeing is the behavioral changes associated with the low light,” Leonard said.

The animals will return to their expected behaviors once the eclipse passes. However, Leonard reminded people that if they notice an animal acting abnormally, do not approach it and instead give their center a call at 540-798-9836.

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