Early Warning System

The peninsula suffered a mild earthquake recently so it is timely to introduce you this guy.

This is the American toad (Bufo americanus).

Wisconsin is home to one solitary species of toad.

They're good to have around as they are an early warning system of sorts.

When it comes to predicting earthquakes, toads - warts and all - may be an asset.

British researchers said Wednesday that they observed a mass exodus of toads from a breeding site in Italy five days before a major tremor struck, suggesting the amphibians may be able to sense environmental changes, imperceptible to humans that foretell a coming quake.

Since ancient times, anecdotes and folklore have linked unusual animal behavior to cataclysmic events like earthquakes, but hard evidence has been scarce.

A new study by researchers from the Open University is one of the first to document animal behavior before, during and after an earthquake.

I'll let you know if I see an exodus of my toads.

But only after I beat it out of Dodge first.

You can learn more about it here. 

Quake

When they blast at the quarry a mile down the road from us it gets the attention of dogs and us as the house shakes a bit.

I didn't feel this today as I was on the road to get to Friday morning discussion group.

Pro Tip - Talk to your insurance professional about an earthquake endorsement on your homeowner's policy.  It doesn't cost much for us in the Midwest.  Don't sweat the small stuff - always insurer the large loss.  It only has to happen once.....