Many people believe that nothing can refresh and relax our senses better than nature. However, you should know that danger exists in every corner of the world. Everyone has emphasized the importance of street-smarts – but have you ever heard of wild-smarts? Make sure that you do not get hit by lightning or drown in a rip current by learning about these tricks. Nature has its own ways of warning us about disasters that are about to come. You will no longer have to rely too much on the weather forecast if you know these signs!
Nature And Its Many Ways To Warn Us Of Impending Disasters
Be Mindful Of J-Shaped Trees
Have you ever seen a patch of J-shaped trees when you were taking a hike in the woods? If so, you should be glad that you managed to get out of such a dangerous situation. When trees are bent into that shape, it is often a sign that a landslide is going to happen soon. It means the ground is moving slowly. Another sign of impending doom would be cracks on the ground, regardless of whether it is in the street, sidewalk, or dirt. Even when a landslide has passed, keep in mind that there is a good chance another one is on the way. Rescuers have actually died in second landslides multiple times in the past.
Be Mindful Of J-Shaped Trees
Keep An Eye On The Ocean Level
If you are along the coastline in the Ring of Fire, you should know that receding water often means trouble. A good indicator of this is when the coral reefs become visible from the shore. Avoid staring at the uncovered beauty of the Pacific Ocean and get yourself to high ground as soon as possible. This often means a tsunami is about to hit. This natural disaster happens when an underwater earthquake occurs and displaces the water above. The waves can move at 500 miles an hour or as fast as a jet! If you think you are safe because you are not in Asia, you might want to think again. Although it is more rare, tsunamis occur in other places as well.
Keep An Eye On The Ocean Level
A Wall Cloud Might Transport You To Oz
We all know how calming it is to simply lay on the grass and watch the clouds go by, right? However, if you ever see a wall cloud, it is time to head to the nearest shelter. Wall clouds rest lower than other thunderstorm clouds and extend up to five miles wide. The fast-rising air often leads to a drop in pressure below the storm, which leads to the formation of wall clouds. This could translate to danger since it could become a tornado if the cloud rotates. We have all seen Wizard of Oz, right? A tornado might have been the start of Dorothy’s journey, but they will wreak havoc in real life.
A Wall Cloud Might Transport You To Oz
Stay Away From Choppy Waters When At The Beach
Are you familiar with a rip current? If not, trust us you don’t want to experience this deadly phenomenon. This is the reason you should always be on the lookout for a section of discolored water, a gap in the row of waves, a channel of choppy water, and debris and seaweed moving away from the shore. Underneath this, rip currents (incorrectly called riptides sometimes) are fast and powerful channels of water that flow away from the shore. They kill more than a hundred people in the United States every single year and make up the majority of lifeguard rescues. Before going into the water, check the risks for rip current first. If you are ever caught in one, swim parallel to the shoreline and you should break out of it. All you have to do then is head to the shore at an angle.
Stay Away From Choppy Waters When At The Beach
When Animals Begin To Leave, There Might Be An Earthquake Soon
People have always reported animals such as snakes, rats, and insects fleeing their habitats even days before a huge earthquake. The earliest reports actually date back to 373 BC Greece! Science has yet to figure out what exactly is going on. Experts do not know what the animals sense that makes them act this way right before there is an earthquake. In general, animals have the ability to detect earthquakes several seconds before humans can since they can feel the small waves that we cannot. However, this is hardly helpful as it will not assist humans get to safety in time.
When Animals Begin To Leave, There Might Be An Earthquake Soon
When Animals Run Towards Your Direction, They Are Fleeing A Fire
On the other hand, you should take animals running toward you to mean that there is a wildfire somewhere near. Amphibians might stay in the area and burrow underground to get to safety, but the rest of the animal kingdom will run away from danger. It goes without saying that you can also check for visible smoke to see if your suspicions are correct. By now, you must have already recalled numerous animal-centric films that include such a scene. Perhaps it was a horse or a fox running away from the fire when they stumble upon a fallen log. When people say they want their lives to be like a Disney film, this isn’t usually what they mean.
When Animals Run Towards Your Direction They Are Fleeing A Fire
Prepare Yourself When Your Hair Starts To Stand On End
You might think that lightning strikes are uncommon, but did you know that it causes more fatalities than shark attacks? It is true that the mortality rate of this natural threat has been going down since the 40’s, though this likely has something to do with the fact that people now know more about its danger and the advancement of medicine. Nonetheless, when your hair begins sticking out and your jewelry buzzes against your skin, it means lightning will strike near you. Immediately head to shelter or crouch down and curl yourself into the smallest possible ball. Rest on the balls of your feet and avoid touching the ground, but make sure to head to a safe area as soon as possible.
Prepare Yourself When Your Hair Starts To Stand On End
A Hurricane Is On The Way When Sharks Swim To Deeper Waters
It’s common, but when you find yourself out in the middle of the ocean and notice sharks heading for deeper waters, expect a tropical storm or hurricane to approach. They likely sense the barometric pressure drop that accompanies the weather disturbance so they try and go out of the danger zone. It might not be what Jaws taught you, but sharks do not actually go out attacking humans on the regular. They actually make their safety a priority, so do not go around believing that those photos of sharks in streets and flooded malls are real! These are smart creatures who have evolved for millions of years, after all.
A Hurricane Is On The Way When Sharks Swim To Deeper Waters
Head For High Ground When You Hear Rushing Water
If you happen to be near a river or a stream during the rainy season, make sure to keep your ear out for a roar of rushing water. When this happens, go to high ground as soon as possible. It might mean a flash flood is going to happen. Did you know they are the second deadliest form of severe weather in the United States? Trust us, you do not want to get trapped in them. They are powerful enough to roll boulders, uproot trees, drag bridges, and level buildings. The reasons behind flash floods can be failing levees, broken dams, and heavy rainfall.
Head For High Ground When You Hear Rushing Water
A Storm Is Brewing When The Golden-Winged Warblers Fly Away
It is not clear if animals generally flee before an earthquake, but you can count on the disappearance of golden-winged warblers to signify the possibility of a severe tornado. In April 2014, researchers had been tracking birds in Tennessee when they realized they were no longer in Tennessee. After consulting their geo-locators, they came to the realization the animals had flown all the way to Florida! One was even in Cuba. Several days later, the birds returned to Tennessee, effectively completing a 900-mile trip. The researchers believe the birds detected the low-frequency infrasound accompanying the storms. Don’t you wish humans were equipped with the same ability?
A Storm Is Brewing When The Golden-Winged Warblers Fly Away
A Moon or Sun Halo Will Tell You About The Weather Tomorrow
Have you ever looked up and realized there was a glowing circle around the moon or the sun? The rings normally form when thin and distant cirrus clouds drift right above. They are normally made up of little ice crystals that split and then reflect the light. This is why you can see the wonderful ring around the moon or sun. You will normally see cirrus clouds before a storm, so you can expect rain in the following day or the one after that. The air might be clear at the moment, but there will be a low-pressure system that will disrupt it soon. Nonetheless, those halos sure look beautiful.
A Moon or Sun Halo Will Tell You About The Weather Tomorrow
Avoid Swimming In The Water When You Find Fish On The Beach
Your health is not likely to deteriorate when there is a single dead animal on the beach. However, you should take a lot of deceased animals and fish to mean that the water is toxic. It might even mean that there is “red tide” in the water! This is a phenomenon that happens in all parts of the world, though they have been traced to the algae species Karenia brevis from the Gulf of Mexico. When they are present in overwhelming amounts, the water will get red tide. Although they occasionally make the water brown or reddish in color, the water may also appear completely normal. Common symptoms include respiratory irritation, so rinse it off in fresh water to get some relief.
Avoid Swimming In The Water When You Find Fish On The Beach
When Your Dog Is Too Interested In A Body Part, Go To The Doctor
Dogs are wise creatures who can tell you more than meets the eye. They might not speak our language, but we highly recommend seeing a doctor when you notice your pet licking or sniffing a certain body part of yours. They have powerful noses that smell cancer. According to scientists, this might have something to do with the smell of organic compounds that come from cancer. They proved this when dogs figured out the difference between urine from a cancer patient and cancer-free person. There are many anecdotes online that detail how their dogs alerted their owners about cancer growths. It is not at all surprising to hear since officials do train dogs to sniff bombs and drugs.
When Your Dog Is Too Interested In A Body Part Go To The Doctor
An Avalanche Might Happen If There Is Cracked Snow Underfoot
Skiing is a great way to spend an afternoon – until an avalanche goes down, of course. This phenomenon is difficult to escape since the snow normally moves as fast as 80 miles per hour. It does not help that people also tend to sink in the snow. When you notice the signs beforehand, however, you can get yourself to safety. When you walk on snow, ask yourself if it feels hollow or if you hear a “whumping” sound beneath your feet. Inspect for cracks in the snow as well. It is also worth remembering that extreme change in temperatures will likely cause an avalanche.
An Avalanche Might Happen If There Is Cracked Snow Underfoot
Expect A Flood To Come When Water Levels Rise
When it has been raining a lot and you notice the water level of a river or stream rising, it likely means that a flood is on the way. The water will likely be muddy or brownish since the quick-moving water often erodes the surrounding debris and sediment. When you are driving at the time a flood occurs, try to stay out of the water. Simply turn around and head in a different direction. The water might only be two feet deep, but it could still put you in danger. Trust us, it will be better to stay out of it than stay there.
Expect A Flood To Come When Water Levels Rise
Go To Higher Ground When The Ocean Roars
The ocean is known for the beautiful and relaxing sound it makes. Plenty of people sleep better when they hear the waves crashing on the shore. However, it is a different matter altogether when you hear it make a roaring sound. The ocean is dangerous even when there is no tsunami – get as far away as possible when you experience this. Many tsunamis happen because of underwater earthquakes, but it can also occur when a meteorite crashes into the water.
Go To Higher Ground When The Ocean Roars
Green Skies Might Mean That There Will Be Severe Weather Soon
Why does a thunderstorm look green sometimes? It actually has something to do with the red light of the setting sun mixing with the blue light of the storm. The greenish color signifies that the thundercloud will be very tall and even indicates the possibility of hail or tornado. Head for shelter at the earliest possible moment. However, it might be a good idea to check the weather forecast since the green light does not indicate any specific severe weather condition.
Green Skies Might Mean That There Will Be Severe Weather Soon
Stay Out Of Lakes Near Hot Volcanoes
How can we best describe a lake located in a hot environment, especially those near volcanoes that never cools down? Well, think of it as a shaken soda can ready to pop. Below the ground, the magma is probably putting carbon dioxide into the bottom of the body of water where there is plenty of pressure. It is hot all the time, so the lake does not mix and the gas does not get any release. However, a disturbance in the form of an earthquake or heavy rainfall can lead to a limnic eruption! When this happens, water will burst out and harmful carbon dioxide will erupt. Degassing lakes like these are very important.
Stay Out Of Lakes Near Hot Volcanoes
Get Out The Moment You Notice Square Waves
If you have never seen this phenomenon, you might think it is impossible. However, two wave systems running into one another will often lead to this bizarre ocean pattern. Wind shifting is one cause of this, especially when it creates the so-called “cross sea”. It might look cool, but you should know that it can be very dangerous for surfers, swimmers, and ships. Below the surface, they have a strong current that can take you out to the sea. The condition makes it hard for navigating boats to cross and even leads to shipwrecks.
Get Out The Moment You Notice Square Waves
Go To The Basement When You Notice Bands In The Sky
If you are observing clouds outside and notice long streaks of rotating clouds expanding into the thunderstorm, avoid getting distracted by its snake-like appearance and head for shelter right away. It is better if you stay away from the windows since a tornado might be on its way. The streaks are known as “inflow bands” and the presence often indicates a brewing storm drawing in low-level air. They typically go to the south or the southeast of the storm and hang pretty low in the sky. Professional storm spotters often take them to mean that a tornado will form soon.
Go To The Basement When You Notice Bands In The Sky
Do Not Swim In Green Or Smelly Water
If there is a lake, river, or ocean that you want to swim in, you have to first make sure that it is not scummy, smelly, or green. It might indicate an algal bloom, which refers to the presence of an excessive amount of algae near the surface. They are not necessarily harmful, but it is always better to be safe than sorry. These toxins often kill or sicken animals and even humans. This usually happens when there is too much fertilizer in the water. Besides, do you really want to swim in something that looks like that?
Do Not Swim In Green Or Smelly Water
Avoid Caves During The Full Or New Moon
Beautiful caves often call out to you and make you want to check what secrets they might hide. You might get trapped inside when you go exploring during the new or full moon! Keep an eye on the tides when you head inside caves at any given time, but this is even more important on those days. When the moon is in these phases, the tide will be a Spring Tide. The high tide is caused by the alignment of the sun, moon, and Earth.
Avoid Caves During The Full Or New Moon
Rattlesnakes Let You Know When They Are Angry
Rattlesnakes make one of the most recognizable warning signs nature has to offer. You will find the rattle at the end of their tail, and it is made up of the same substance that goes in our fingernails. When they vibrate, the segments knock into one another and cause a buzzing sound. When a rattlesnake sheds, a new segment joins the rest of the rattle. The snakes use it to keep predators and enemies away. If you approach them despite this, they will bite you and inject venom.
Rattlesnakes Let You Know When They Are Angry
Red Skies Can Also Tell You About The Weather
You might have heard of this common saying: “Red sky at night, sailor’s delight. Red sky in the morning, sailor’s warning.” Is there any truth in this? Apparently, there is. The red color is often the result of sunlight reflecting off the dust particles and water vapor in the air. The weather typically moves from west to east, so the timing of the red sky can help predict the weather. If it happens at night, you can expect good weather to come in since the dust particles typically indicate a high-pressure system. On the other hand, a red sunrise indicates that there is a low-pressure system coming from the west.
Red Skies Can Also Tell You About The Weather
Volcanoes Swell, Shake, And Get Gassy Before Eruptions
Volcanoes are cool sights to explore, but we are all familiar with what happened to Pompeii. Luckily, there are many ways to tell that a volcano is about to blow. First, there will be small earthquakes below the volcano. Second, it will likely swell and then release gas and heat. But the signs normally go undetected by the average person. It’s a good thing volcanologists are equipped with the technology to monitor such signals these days. However, the downside is that they cannot monitor the water vapor that comes with a volcano eruption. There is already too much in the air, so this is unfortunate.
Volcanoes Swell Shake And Get Gassy Before Eruptions
Head Inside When You Notice A Funnel Cloud
Funnel cake will make us all happy, but funnel cloud does not. They are dangerous cone-shaped clouts that come out of storms but do not reach the ground. Like other clouds, they are made of condensed water droplets. If they are rotating and make contact with the ground, they might become tornados. Keep in mind that they are only fearsome when they are made of warm air as cold air funnels do not pose any dangers.
Head Inside When You Notice A Funnel Cloud
Do Not Eat Mushrooms Growing Near A Tree
The deadliest mushrooms come from the genus Amanita, which includes the “death cap” and “destroying angel”. They do not particularly stand out in terms of appearance. The death cap will look yellow, brown, or white on top, but white on the bottom. Meanwhile, the destroying angel will be completely white. Most of these mushrooms are found close to trees, so it would be wise to avoid eating mushrooms growing there. You know what, just stop eating mushrooms in the wild full-stop unless you happen to be an expert.
Do Not Eat Mushrooms Growing Near A Tree
The Brighter Their Skin, The More Dangerous They Are
In all likelihood, you do not eat random animals when you are out in the wild. However, most predators do not have a choice. Despite this, they are smart enough to know that it is a good idea to avoid those with bright yellow, orange, or red skin. This warning coloration often means they are dangerous. If you need examples, just take a look at monarch butterflies and coral snakes! There might be some false warning signs, but it is still best to stay away to be sure.
The Brighter Their Skin, The More Dangerous They Are
Stay Away From Trees With Missing Barks Or Deep Cracks
Do we really have to explain why a falling tree will be dangerous to both your life and your wallet? Make sure that you take the time to inspect the trees near your property. There are many signs of an unhealthy tree that you need to look out for. If there are deep cracks or missing sections in the bark, it is time to do something about it to avoid any accidents in the future. You should also be on the lookout for falling branches, holes in the trunk, a leaning trunk, or losing leaves. When these things check out, there is a good chance that strong winds will cause it to fall.
Stay Away From Trees With Missing Barks Or Deep Cracks
Know The Warning Signs That A Bull Is Going To Charge
Here is an interesting piece of trivia: more deaths are caused by cows than sharks! Now that you know this, there is no better time to learn more about the behavior displayed by these animals. If you notice them snorting or pawing at the ground, try to distance yourself and place a feeding trough or tree between you and the animal. Cows can be just as dangerous as bulls, especially when they consider you a threat to their calves. A bull will shake its head from one side to the other and raise the hair on its neck as a warning. When danger becomes more evident, they will lower their head and point it at the target. When this happens, walk backward by at least 20 feet and it should lose interest in harming you.
Know The Warning Signs That A Bull Is Going To Charge
Listen To The Frogs To Find Out More About The Weather
Frogs are well-known for the croaking sound they make. If you notice that they are croaking even more than usual, it will often signify that rain is on its way. Although some rain won’t cause disasters, it will definitely hurt your hiking or picnic plans. For frogs, it is time to get romantic. They actually call out to potential mates since it is the perfect time to lay eggs in the water. Small ponds serve as nurseries for these animals. The frogs are not only singing in the rain, but they are also kissing in it!
Listen To The Frogs To Find Out More About The Weather
Glossy Pavement Is Often Dangerous During Wintertime
Black ice is not really black, but it is ice so clear that you cannot easily see it. This is the reason it is so dangerous to walk or even drive on. Black ice normally happens when temperatures approach the freezing point after it rains. The water actually becomes ice as soon as it makes contact with the sidewalk or pavement! Before you drive off, be extra careful and remain alert for areas where there are both dry and glossy spots on the road. Keep calm and try to maintain a controlled speed.
Glossy Pavement Is Often Dangerous During Wintertime
Avoid The Road When You Notice A Wall Of Dust
When driving in United States Southwest, get off the road the moment you spot a cloud of dust heading your way. Keep away from the thoroughfare, switch your emergency brake on, and turn off the lights on your car. Dust storms normally cause huge car accidents, so it is better to stay off the road and avoid collisions. It is important to switch the lights off when you do this since drivers might go offroad and head in your direction. If it is not possible to get out of the road, keep the lights on and drive carefully. Don’t forget to honk every now and then!
Avoid The Road When You Notice A Wall Of Dust
Dive Out Of The Way When A Skunk Raises Its Tail And Stamps Its Feet
Although the spray delivered by a skunk does not constitute a life-or-death situation, it is still very unpleasant. You are more likely to experience this around February since this is the mating season in Northern California. Skunks do not have unlimited spray, so they will typically warn you before anything to avoid wastage. When you see it raise its tail and shake it, you need to back away and leave the poor creature alone. Otherwise, it will stamp its feet and raise its butt in your direction. This is the last warning, so you better leave it alone if you don’t like the thought of a stinky doom.
Dive Out Of The Way When A Skunk Raises Its Tail And Stamps Its Feet
Do Not Step On A Lake Covered In Gray Or White Ice
“You’re on thin ice!” This is a popular adage that you must have said or heard at least once in your life before. However, it is actually a dangerous situation to be in. It is not advisable to skate or even just walk on a frozen lake. If you really want to, at least ensure that it is safe before you go do it. There are professional who can check the safety of the ice, but we doubt anyone has done an inspection of all the lakes in the world. It might be a good idea to bring equipment to check the ice thickness, though you can also do it by checking the color. If it is blue and clear, it is generally safer than if it were gray or white.
Do Not Step On A Lake Covered In Gray Or White Ice
Run To Shelter When You Are Stung By A Bee Near Its Hive
When you are around bees, it is important to avoid swatting or hurting them. As much as you avoid them, there are plenty of bright and sweet-smelling things around. Accidents happen, and people get stung by these insects. Honey bees might die after stinging, but did you know that dead ones emit pheromones that will call bees nearby to attack you? If you ever find yourself near a hive and get stung by one, you should run as far as possible. Ideally, you should head for shelter while covering your face and head. We know that this sounds like an absolute nightmare, but these things do happen.
Run To Shelter When You Are Stung By A Bee Near Its Hive
Do Not Swim In Beautifully Colored Pools
In Yellowstone National Park, you will find gorgeously colored hot springs, but you should not get in them no matter what. After all, that might just be the last thing you ever do. First of all, they are generally scalding hot with a temperature of 200 degrees Fahrenheit or even higher. For reference, a hot tub is usually only 105 degrees or below. Bacteria also thrives in temperatures like this and actually lend the pools the pretty colors. Isn’t it both disgusting and amazing that each color here comes from a particular bacteria? The National Park has signs and paths that indicate whether an area is safe or not, so always make sure to look around first!
Do Not Swim In Beautifully Colored Pools
Be Vigilant When You Find Trees With Scratch Marks And Five-Toed Paw Prints
When you are in bear country, it is always important to familiarize yourself with signs for bears. If you find paw prints with five claws and toes in the mud, you should be wary. This is especially true when they are diamond shaped. Another indicator would be scratch marks on trees. Bears also tend to leave their scat and tufts of fur behind. If you ever spot these signs, keep your eyes peeled for the creature itself. Should you run into a bear, do not run, avoid making eye contact, and talk quietly. Wave your arms slowly to make yourself look bigger and the head away sideways.
Be Vigilant When You Find Trees With Scratch Marks And Five-Toed Paw Prints
Do Not Eat Red Berries In The Wilderness
Again, you should avoid eating random things you find in nature unless you have positively identified it to be edible. There are many poisonous red berries that do not look unusual. Holly berries can induce vomiting, cotoneaster berries can induce seizures, and dogwood berries are not good edible for human consumption. If ever you have consumed these berries, contact poison control right away. Next time, it might be a better idea to pack raspberries instead of picking mysterious berries on your hike. A book guide will also ensure that you will get out of the woods alive and well.
Do Not Eat Red Berries In The Wilderness
Ecosystem Canaries Warn Experts About The Collapse Of An Ecosystem
Coal miners used to check for poisonous gasses underground with canaries. These days, scientists use “ecosystem canaries” to see how an ecosystem is doing. The species are not actually canaries, perhaps not even birds to begin with. However, they are species that have begun dying before the collapse of the whole ecosystem. In general, they tend to reproduce slowly and do not fare well when it comes to competing for resources. Similar to the keystone species, they are not exactly the most important parts of the ecosystem. However, they can signal its current conditions.
Ecosystem Canaries Warn Experts About The Collapse Of An Ecosystem
Animal And Plant Range Shifts Indicate Climate Change
The shifting of plant and animal ranges happens to be among the first signs of climate change. A range refers to the area where the species occur naturally. It is determined by factors such as humidity, rainfall, temperature, and other natural attributes. However, climate change will impact these factors and alter the range of many animals. Grizzly bears are now heading north and stumbling into polar bear country. According to scientists, half of living species are now moving elsewhere. This is definitely concerning news that should alarm all of us.
Animal And Plant Range Shifts Indicate Climate Change
Quicksand Is Not Impossible To Get Out Of
Was the quicksand scene in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull the last time you encountered the terrifying substance? If so, you should know that bit featured misconceptions about it. You cannot actually drown in quicksand. Moreover, you should not grab a snake or rope to get yourself out of it. It is denser than the body, so your foot will push you into the sand and cause the clay and water to close around your body. You will only ever sink halfway down. There is only danger of drowning if a tide comes in at some point. If you want to get out, you only need to wiggle your leg a little and then step up. Floating will also help so try lying on your back horizontally.
Quicksand Is Not Impossible To Get Out Of