This article was originally published on 24/7Mirror
A Patch Of Trees Bent Into A J-Shape
Now, not many of us are lucky (or unlucky) enough to experience this occurrence. Have you ever been on a hike in the middle of the woods, when you suddenly saw a few trees bent into a j-shape? Well, if that’s the case, you might have just escaped a pretty bad situation. J-shaped trees are a sign of an upcoming landslide.
It means that the ground moves very slowly, resulting in each tree growing in a very unusual shape. It also means that a potential landslide could happen at any moment, especially if there has been one there recently. So next time you go on a hike, stay alert, and be ready to go hike somewhere else if you do happen to see something similar to this image.
Beware Of The Ocean When Its Level Drops
When on a walk on the beach, we don’t usually pay attention to the little details of the sea. The sea’s immensity is marvelous, and that alone is usually enough to keep us distracted. But sometimes if you’re on a walk on a beach along the Pacific Ocean and the water suddenly starts receding, trouble may be coming.
In fact, you should get yourself to high ground as soon as you can, because a tsunami could be on the way. Tsunamis usually form around an earthquake that takes place underwater, displacing the water above. When that happens, waves can move as fast as 500 miles per hour, which is basically the speed of a jet plane.
A Huge Wall Cloud In The Sky
What is better than peacefully lying down on the grass and watching beautiful white clouds pass? But though clouds seem innocent and fluffy, they can also tell you much more about nature than you might think. If you see a wall cloud in particular, then you might want to find shelter as soon as you can. If you’re unsure of what this means, wall clouds stay a bit lower than the rest of the thunderstorm and can be pretty long - up to five miles.
When air rises quickly, it results in the pressure dropping below the storm, resulting in a wall cloud. This formation can mean that as the cloud rotates, a tornado could form, and well, that’s not great news is it?
Choppy Waters On The Beach? Go Somewhere Else
Rip currents (usually and mistakenly called rip tides) are some of the most underestimated powerful occurrences on the beach. Signs of it usually include choppy water on the beach, a section with discolored water, tons of debris and seaweed moving away from the shoreline in certain areas, or a big enough gap in the line of waves.
All of these signs could mean that rip currents are taking place, which basically means several channels of water brutally flowing away from the shore. Rip currents are responsible for the deaths of at least 100 people in the US annually, and also account for most lifeguard rescues. If you ever find yourself in the middle of one don't swim against it, swim parallel to the shore.
If Your Hair Is Standing On End, Then Run
You might have heard of this one, but even so, it’s worth giving us a little reminder so that we do indeed take action. While lightning strikes are definitely rare, they happen, and when they do things aren’t fun. In fact, on a yearly basis, more people die from lightning strikes than from unprovoked shark attacks!
The good news is that since the 1940s, lightning deaths have considerably reduced, but that doesn’t mean we should ignore its warning signs. So, if all of a sudden you realize that your hair is standing on end, and maybe your jewelry begins buzzing, then a bolt of lightning could strike anytime somewhere near you. So grab yourself and whoever is with you and get to shelter as soon as you can.
If You See Animals Running Away, An Earthquake Could Be Coming
This one is something that has been passed down for ages. Ever since 373 BC Greece, it has been known that animals such as snakes, rats, or insects fleeing their homes rapidly and abruptly, mean that an earthquake may be on the way. Yet, these stories have never been backed by science, so many of us never really give them too much attention.
In a general sense, animals seem to be able to sense earthquakes a few seconds before humans, because they are able to feel tiny waves that we are not able to detect. Unfortunately, though this could be somewhat helpful, it doesn’t really give us enough time to prevent it.
A Roar Of Rushing Water Could Be A Problem
Imagine this, it has been raining for a couple of days, and you are located close to a river or a stream. All of a sudden, you hear a huge roar of rushing water. If that ever happens, take yourself and whoever is with you to higher ground right away, because there is a huge possibility that a flash flood is about to happen right in front of you.
Take into consideration that floods are one of the most deadly forms of severe weather, and you don’t want to be stuck in the middle of it. One thing the flash floods are known for is the fact that they are unusually powerful. The force of water is able to uproot huge trees, roll boulders, and destroy bridges. Things like falling leaves, constant heavy rain, and broken bands can all result in flash floods.
You Could Predict The Weather With The Ring Around The Sun
Though you might only see this one if you really pay attention, sometimes we are able to spot a heavenly glow around the sun. It may even look like a halo at times. These rings usually come about when super thin, high altitude cirrus clouds start drifting above you. Tiny ice crystals are formed, and when they split and create a reflection in the light they form a ring around the moon or the sun.
These types of clouds sometimes come just before a storm strikes, so they could also be a sign that a storm is approaching. No matter how clear the sky is, it’s worth being cautious.
If You Spot Some Fish On The Beach, Don’t Go In
Okay, all of us have probably seen a dead fish or two on the beach, which usually isn’t very alarming. But if you see a bunch of fish or any other animal dead on the shore, there is a possibility that the water is contaminated. A red tide could be happening near the beach, usually caused by one specific algae species called Karenia Brevis.
When the water has more algae than normal, that is usually called a red tide. The algae concentration could cause the water to be brown or even reddish, but not always. So if you do notice this strange encounter on the beach, make sure to stay away from the water.
If Your Dog Starts Acting Weird Around A Part Of Your Body, Go To The Doctor
Dogs are pretty good at letting you know when something is wrong. Though they don't really speak our language, they have the most clever ways of communicating with us. So if you notice that your dog is constantly sniffing a very specific part of your body that he or she doesn’t usually do, you might want to get that checked out.
Their powerful senses allow them to sniff out any evidence of disease, including cancer. Scientists believe that what they smell is the organic compounds that come from cancer and have even proved that dogs can distinguish between cancer-free urine and cancer patient urine. There is no need to panic just be aware if this ever happens.
An Impending Avalanche Could Be On The Way If You See Cracked Snow
Snow is awesome until an entire avalanche suddenly tumbles down from the mountain top. They’re impossibly strong and really hard to escape when it actually happens. In fact, studies show that avalanches can move as rapidly as 80 miles an hour. But if you pay attention to the little details in order to sense it before it happens you might have a much better chance of escaping it and avoiding a bigger disaster.
For instance, when you walk in the snow does it ever feel hollow? Do you see any cracks or hear a random sound? Those could all be signs of an avalanche. Additionally, much warmer temperatures and really heavy rain or snow could also cause an avalanche.
If You Hear An Unusual Roaring Sound Coming From The Ocean, Move High Up
The ocean is a powerful and dangerous place. Sometimes, its beautiful and calming sound can be replaced by loud roars. If you happen to hear this sound, there is a chance that a tsunami is coming.
Although most tsunamis that happen around the world come as a result of an underwater earthquake, there is something else that could cause it. A meteorite can crash into the ocean and result in a wave around the whole world. In fact, some 3.5 billion years ago, an enormous asteroid hit the earth, resulting in gigantic tsunamis roaring in the ocean.
A Green Sky Could Be A Sign Of Really Severe Weather
If you ever notice that the sky is greenish then a thunderstorm may be on its way. This usually happens because when the sun sets, the red light intermingles with the blue light created by the thunderstorm. The green sky usually suggests that the thundercloud is pretty tall, warning us that hail or even a tornado could be approaching.
Just to be cautious, if you do notice this then you might want to stay indoors until everything seems safe again outside. Check the news, and if a tornado is approaching, going to the basement could be your best bet.
Square Waves Are A Sign That You Should Leave The Water
When two different wave systems run into each other, one of the wave systems continues although the wind shifts, resulting in a “cross sea”. Although this usually looks like something out of a movie, it can be utterly dangerous for surfers, ships, and swimmers. These cross seas are usually characterized by a really strong current underneath them, which is able to carry anyone or anything out to sea.
The water also becomes incredibly difficult for boats to navigate, resulting in a bunch of wrecked ships to this date. A place that usually has tons of them is the Isle of Rhe in France, though they can really be found anywhere.
Go To The Basement If You See Bands In The Sky
If cloud watching is a hobby of yours, then you might be familiar with some of these patterns. So, if you at some point see a line of rotating clouds stretching into a thunderstorm, make sure to find shelter. If you can stay away from windows you’ll be even safer, because there might be a tornado approaching.
These “inflow bands” usually indicate that a huge storm is building up in low-level air. They can mostly be found low in the sky, and usually stretch to the south or southeast part of the storm.
Don’t Go Into Cave During Full Or New Moon
Some incredible caves around the world are located along beaches, but only accessible when the tide is low. One day, you might find yourself roaming around and exploring a cave, but when you do, you should always be careful. If the tide suddenly comes in again, you could find yourself trapped in a watery cavern.
During a full or new moon, you should be extra careful. During these times, you may find yourself in the middle of a Spring Tide, which is able to pull you much more strongly than usual.
Don’t Eat A Mushroom That Has Grown Close To A Tree
It’s safe to say that in general, you should avoid eating random mushrooms you find in nature, you never know which ones are poisonous and which ones aren't. The deadliest types of mushrooms come from the Amanita genus.
Because it is hard to distinguish them from other types of mushrooms, the Amanita genus usually lives near trees. So if you ever encounter a mushroom near a tree, especially in the wild, just stay away from it and refrain from eating it.
Refrain From Stepping On A Lake Covered In Gray Or White Ice
Remember that really common expression, “You’re walking on thin ice?” Well, figuratively and literally, this is not a situation you want to be in. During winter, if you’re planning to go skating or walking on a frozen lake, always make sure it’s safe to do so.
You might want to check the thickness of the ice, and you can also pay attention to its color, which should give you some important clues. If the color is white or gray, you might want to wait for it to become clear or blue.
Scratch Marks Accompanied With Five-Toed Paw Prints On A Tree Could Be Danger
Whenever you trek amongst the paths of bears, you should always look out for any signs of them in the area. Look out for huge paw prints on the mud with five toes and claws. They’re not only huge but also somewhat diamond-shaped and can come accompanied with scratch marks on several trees in the area.
Other signs such as their scat and tufts of fur can also be a warning that the animal could be around, popping up any time. If you do see a bear, make sure to avoid eye contact and do not run - just slowly wave your arms, talk low and slowly move sideways away from it.
Pay Close Attention To Cracks In The Walls Or Floors, And Cloudy Well Water
Disaster movies may make sinkholes look cool and dramatic, but they can literally become a nightmare. They are common in areas that have limestone underground because they can usually dissolve in water. Too much rain can result in the ground collapsing and creating a sinkhole.
So if you’d like to find some signs of it possibly happening, you might want to watch out for cracks on the floor or on walls, doors not closing properly, or cloudy well water. Also, fallen trees, small ponds, and things that were once buried being suddenly above ground could also be a sign of an impending sinkhole.
If A Lake Is Located Near A Volcano, Be Cautious In Hot Environments
So you should generally be cautious of anything located near a volcano, but a lake could make matters even worse. If the lake is found in a hot environment that doesn’t regularly cool down, and a volcano is located nearby, then we could describe that lake as a shaken soda that could pop any second.
The magma underground could be pushing carbon dioxide all the way to the bottom of the lake, where a lot of pressure can be found. If heavy rainfall takes place in the area, or even an earthquake, then the lake could actually explode creating a “limnic eruption”. A few of these lakes are located on the African continent.
If You See Animals Running Towards You Beware Of A Possible Fire
If you see mammals or birds flying or running towards you, then there might be something wrong going on. In fact, there could be a wildfire behind them, hence making them run from it and towards a safe place.
Certain animals such as amphibians usually stay in the fire as they are able to quickly bury themselves underground, while others aren’t so lucky. There are other signs of a possible wildfire but usually, animals running towards you and a bunch of smoke is mostly a fairly good indicator that you should find shelter (and of course if you can, you could always help an animal or two).
If You Notice A Hole In The Sky, Make Sure You’re Not Abducted
Okay fine, an alien invasion is not really a possibility, unless you truly believe in UFOs (which is okay, we don’t judge). But there is something else in the sky that could be interpreted to be a UFO, but it’s just a cloud. Punch hole clouds are large circular gaps that usually form in high-level clouds made of small water droplets and surrounded by really freezing temperatures.
They usually freeze when airplanes pass through. The wings help the air expand and cool down, allowing the little droplets to freeze. Ice crystals begin growing and falling, which causes the water droplets surrounding the ice crystals to evaporate. That creates a huge hole in the cloud.
When Sharks Swim To Deeper Waters, They Could Be Escaping From A Hurricane
If by any chance you’re in the ocean and you suddenly see a few sharks swimming in the deep waters, there is a possibility that a tropical storm or a hurricane could happen any moment. Sharks are able to sense the draft in the barometric pressure that usually comes hand in hand with a storm.
As soon as they sense it, they try to get out of the area as soon as they can. Although movies give us the idea that sharks’ main mission in life is to attack humans, they usually prefer to mind their own business and to live their lives quietly. They are also much smarter than films usually suggest, and are able to sense danger way before it happens.
A Storm Might Be Coming If All Golden-Winged Warblers Vanish
At this point, it is safe to say that we can learn a lot from animals when it comes to natural disasters. Their senses are much more advanced than ours when it comes to feeling that something is wrong with nature. So here’s another tip. If you realize that all golden-winged warblers in your area flew away at the same time, then a severe tornado could be approaching.
In April 2014, a team of researchers decided to track these specific birds in Tennessee when all of a sudden they all flew away. After checking their geolocations, they realized that the birds had flown to Florida and Cuba. Scientists believe that they felt the low frequency that came as a result of the storms.
Don’t Eat Red Berries You May Find In The Wild
By now you should know that if you’re in the wild and you’re not trapped and starving, then you might want to refrain from eating anything you find, particularly berries and mushrooms.
There are many types of berries that can be poisonous to humans, such as holly berries (which cause vomiting), dogwood berries (safe for birds but not for humans), and cotoneaster berries (some of the worst out there, can actually cause seizures). If you or someone you know has eaten any mysterious berries though, make sure to call poison control as soon as you can.
If The Water Smells Really Bad Or Is Green, Don’t Go In
While this may sound like something we shouldn’t have to be warned about, many of us are actually unaware of it. If you’re located near the ocean, lake, or river and the water smells quite bad, looks green, or scummy, then just make sure to stay away from it.
Don’t let your pets in either, as an algal bloom could be taking place in the water. Though this could either be harmful or harmless, just stay away from it as a precaution. This is usually caused by people pouring way too much fertilizer in the water.
Water Levels Rising Warn Us Of A Flood Coming
Though this one is a bit of an obvious one we often forget to protect ourselves when water levels considerably rise. Let’s say that it’s been raining non-stop for a few days and you notice that the water level in the stream or the local river is rising. Needless to say that if it keeps happening a flood could come about at any moment.
Also, you may notice that the water is a bit brownish and even muddy, which usually comes as a result of quick water eroding the sediment that surrounds it. All of these are early signs that a flood could happen so make sure to stock up, avoid driving, and stay safe and indoors as much as you can.
When Rattlesnakes Get Angry They Sometimes Alert You
The rattlesnake rattle is one of nature’s most famous warning signs. The rattle is located right at the end of the snake’s tail and is made up of keratin segments. Curiously, these segments are made of the same stuff that our fingernails are made of.
When they vibrate, these segments start knocking into each other resulting in a buzz. Whenever a rattlesnake uses this rattle in front of people, predators, or enemies, it is usually trying to warn that if anyone gets close, the snake will give a very venomous bite.
Red Skies Could Possibly Predict The Weather
Have you ever heard of the saying: “Red sky at night, sailor’s delight. Red sky in the morning, sailor’s warning?” Well, there is something really clever about this one. The red color that you sometimes see comes as a result of sunlight bouncing off dust particles in the air and water vapor.
Red skies at night usually indicate that good weather is approaching, because the dust particles mostly show that there is a high-pressure system. A red sunrise, however, could show that good weather is passing and a storm is on its way.
Before They Blow, Volcanoes Usually Swell, Shake And Get Gassy
Volcanoes are pretty good at giving us warning signs before they blow. One of them includes a small earthquake that is felt just under the volcano before it erupts. Another way of knowing when it’s about to erupt is when the volcano swells and releases more gas and heat.
The truth is that these signs are pretty hard to notice for the average person, which is why volcanologists exist. They use radar satellites to monitor these signals so they can warn the people in these areas just before the volcano erupts.
If You Notice A Funnel Cloud, Make Sure To Get Inside
Although funnel clouds may bring us a lot of joy, they can simultaneously be a sign of danger. They are usually cone-shaped clouds that come as a result of storms, but never really touch the ground.
They are made of water droplets condensed together, like any other cloud, but if you see them rotating, they could be developing into a tornado. Once these clouds touch the ground a tornado forms, specifically if the cloud is made of warm air. If the funnel cloud is made of cold air though, it’s usually not that threatening.
Animals With Really Bright Colors Usually Signal Danger
Predators in the wild usually avoid chasing and eating animals with really bright colors, such as orange, red, and yellow. There is a reason for it. Certain animals are able to evolve and to develop bright colors in order to warn their predators that they have become poisonous.
For instance, monarch butterflies are really orange and if eaten, they can make birds extremely sick. On the other hand, coral snakes are bright yellow with red stripes warning everyone that when they bite, there will be lots of venom coming out.
A Tree Could Be About To Fall Over If It Is Missing Bark Or It Has Deep Cracks
A falling tree can be terribly dangerous, both if it falls on you or on something you own. You could avoid this damage though if you checked the trees located around your house.
For instance, you may check if a tree has missing sections of bark or has deep cracks in it. Also, there may be a hole in the trunk, falling or dead branches, or even a leaning trunk, each and every one of these signs could be a warning that the tree is about to fall.
A Bull Is About To Charge If It Shows You These Signs
Believe it or not, every year, many more people die due to cow attacks rather than shark bites. So you might want to pay more attention to the animal because although it looks harmless, it could be dangerous. Bulls, in specific, are particularly dangerous, but cows can be too, especially the ones with calves.
The animals do warn us before attacking though. For instance, they may show their side with their head down and arched back, or they sometimes shake their head from side to side. If this happens, walk away about 20 feet back, and hopefully, the bull will lose interest in you.
You Could Predict The Weather By Simply Listening To The Frogs
This might sound a little bit weird, but if you do pay attention to the croaking sounds of frogs you could slightly predict what is about to happen with the weather. When they croak more and louder than usual, it could be because it is about to rain.
So yes, we do admit that this doesn’t necessarily mean that “danger” is approaching, but it does mean that you shouldn’t plan a picnic or a hike anytime soon. For the frogs themselves, this is not only a sign of rain but also a call to potential mates out there, since they mostly lay their eggs in water.
Very Glossy Pavement Could Be A Bad Sign For Winter
No matter how many black ice jokes we may hear, that thing continues to be made out of some sort of a nightmare. Of course, the ice is not actually black, but a very clear type of ice that one can barely see, making it really dangerous. Though it can be pretty dangerous if you’re walking on it, it can be even worse if you bump into one while driving.
Black ice usually comes about when it rains at a freezing temperature, so pay attention next time. If you notice that the sidewalk or the road is glossy but the rest is dry, then there is a possibility that there’s some black ice.
Get Off The Road Right Away If You See A Wall Of Dust
If you see a cloud coming your way while driving in the Southeast part of the United States, then you should drive safely away as soon as possible. A huge reason for car accidents during winter are dust storms, so you might want to prevent this from happening.
Remember to turn your lights off when you park off the road, because if you keep them on, that could result in other drivers going offroad and having an accident themselves.
Move Out Of The Spray Zone As Soon A Skunk Raises Its Tail Or Stamps Its Feet
Although a skunk’s spray is not the most life-threatening thing in the world, it is one of the most unpleasant experiences ever. So if you can avoid it, do it! Funny enough, you're most likely to come across a skunk between the months of February and March (coinciding with Valentine's Day), as this is considered their mating season, particularly in California.
One thing you might not know is that skunks actually have limited spray, so they make sure to warn you before spraying you. For example, if they raise their tails or shake it, then back away. If they turn their butts towards you, that is the last warning you get before being sprayed on.
If A Bee Stings You Near A Hive, Run
Getting stung by a bee is never fun, but if you’re stung by one near a hive, then things could get worse pretty quickly. In general, when you’re around a bee, do your best to not threaten or swat it in any way. But if it does happen and you’re stung by a honey bee, once she dies (after it stings you), it emits pheromones that invite any bees in the area to come through and attack.
So if you find yourself near a hive when you get stung, run away, find shelter, treat yourself, and cover your head and face as much as you can.
Don’t Go Into A Wonderfully Colored Pool
It’s quite tempting to go into a brightly colored hot spring, especially if you’ve been to Yellowstone National Park. But the truth is that these hot springs can sometimes be as hot as 200 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a perfect place for some bacteria to thrive.
These bacteria are what make these pools so beautiful in color, but also make it pretty deadly for anyone who goes in. These colors can range from really bright orange to yellow, depending on the bacteria found in the area.
Scientists Can Be Warned Of An Ecosystem’s Collapse By Ecosystem Canaries
Nature has a funny way of letting us know when things are about to go down. In fact, scientists have found that if they monitor “ecosystem canaries” closely, they can identify whether or not the ecosystem is about to collapse. Though these species are not particularly the most important part of the ecosystem, their situation is able to signal the entire ecosystem’s health.
They are not very good at competing for resources and have begun dying way before the whole ecosystem collapses. By using these canary species, scientists can make crucial decisions before the ecosystem is in a state that is beyond saving.
Animal And Plant Range Shifts Could Point To Climate Change
At this point, many things point out to climate change, but one of the first signs of it was the shifting of plant and animal ranges. Simply put, a range is considered an area where a species occurs naturally, based on humidity, rainfall, temperature, and a number of other natural factors. But if climate change alters these factors, animals and plants start moving out of their normal ranges and looking for a safer place to live and reproduce in.
For instance, grizzly bears continue to move north, much closer to polar bear territory. Scientists believe that 50% of all living species are slowly moving to a different range.
Though You Can’t Be Warned Of Quicksand, You Can Certainly Get Out Of It
You might have seen quicksand in an Indiana Jones movie, but not directly in front of you. Unfortunately, movies tend to share many misconceptions about the phenomenon, making it even harder to protect ourselves from it. Because quicksand is much denser than our bodies, our foot may push down the sand, making the clay and water to close around us, resulting in the body sinking halfway through.
The danger really gets bad if the tide comes in, so you should try to get out as fast as possible. Stay calm, wiggle your leg, and get horizontal - that should help you float back to the top.