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The New York Just reviews the (limited) science:

How animals respond to solar eclipses can only provide clues about animal behavior, as the relatively few studies on the topic are often contradictory. A study from 1560 states that “birds fell to the ground.” Other studies said birds went to roosts, fell silent or continued singing and cooing – or flew straight into houses. Dogs either barked or whined or didn't bark or whine.

A study of the 1932 solar eclipse, considered the first comprehensive research on the subject to incorporate observations from the public, stated that there were “many contradictory statements” from people who had observed mammals. It concluded that several animals showed the strongest reactions: squirrels ran into the forest and cattle and sheep made their way to their stables.

In the meantime, we humans could be just as unnerving to our pets as the sudden darkness:

Most animals will likely become confused by the darkness and begin their nighttime routines, Dr. M. Leanne Lilly, a veterinary behaviorist at Ohio State's College of Veterinary Medicine.

But the way people react to the eclipse – looking at the sky, expressing excitement or gathering in a group – could affect domesticated animals like dogs or cats, because pets can behave strangely when their people are around behaved strangely, said Dr. Lilly.

“This can make any of our pets feel like things are not as safe and predictable as they should be,” Dr. Lilly added that any unusual human behavior can bother pets because they are “domesticated to take care of us.” ”

“We could be the problem,” she said, laughing.

CBS News spoke to some vets:

“Most animals will be largely unaffected by the eclipse, but pet owners may notice brief periods of confusion, and dogs and cats may show fear and confusion,” said Dr. Katie Krebs, veterinarian and professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.

Pets may hide, howl, pace or pant during the eclipse, Krebs said. As the sky darkens, some pets may begin their nighttime routine earlier. The average domestic dog or cat probably won't be affected by the eclipse, Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, veterinary expert at animal care company Rover.