Unless we are camping out in the wild, we aren’t normally one to eat random animals. We usually leave that to other animals. However, when predators see bright colors such as red, orange, or yellow, they know to stay away from that prey. Some animals change colors in an effort to warn another that they could become very dangerous.
For example, monarch butterflies are a bright orange color and can make birds sick if they eat them. Another example would be coral snakes which have bright red and yellow stripes to let their enemies know they have an extremely venomous bite. With that being said, some can be harmless signs, such as a king snake who is not dangerous, however, they evolve to look very similar to a coral snake.
If There Are Bands in the Sky, Run to a Basement
If you are outside watching the clouds graze by and you see a long streak of rotating clouds, you are about to find that you are seeing the first signs of a large thunderstorm, or even worse, a tornado. Get indoors immediately and make your way to the basement just in case.
These streaks are what we call “inflow bands” and their presence is an indicator that the storm is drawing in low-level air from a long distance. These storms typically stretch to the southeast or south of the storm and are usually low in the sky. There are professional storm spotters who keep an eye out for them to see if a tornado is coming and they will then warn people who reside in that area to stay away from windows and get to the lowest level in their homes.
Green Skies Mean Harsh Weather Is on the Way
Have you ever seen the sky turn a green color before? If you have, you know that it means a thunderstorm is brewing. The reason the sky turns green is that the sun’s red light is intermingling with the blue light under the storm. The color green means that the thundercloud is very large and is a warning that a tornado or hailstorm may be coming very soon.
If you ever happen to find yourself staring up at the green sky, it’s important that you find coverage as soon as possible. You don’t want to be stuck in the midst of a storm like that. In the event that the storm turns into a tornado, you want to get to your basement as soon as possible. You’ll want to keep checking the news to see what kind of storm is going to pass through because it isn’t going to be pretty.
Never Go in the Water if It Looks Green or Has a Bad Smell
If you’re near a body of water that’s green and smells horrific, keep your distance. Don’t allow children to play in it, or your pets to drink from it. There’s a great possibility that an algal bloom has formed in the water. This means that there is a lot more algae than what is considered normal thriving near the surface of the water.
It’s hard to say whether or not the algae is harmful to you, so it’s best if you steer clear of it completely. The toxins in the water can cause animals to get sick, and even kill them as well as humans. Most times these blooms are caused by too much fertilization which then pollutes the water.
Don't Step on a Lake if It Is Covered in White or Gray Ice
Saying “you’re on thin ice,” may be a funny way to let someone know you’re about to snap at them. But in regards to a frozen lake, it could mean more danger. During the colder months when lakes freeze, people may be more so inclined to go out on the lake to ice skate. However, it’s important to make sure it’s safe first.
Some lakes have professionals who check the ice’s safety, but not every lake is fortunate enough to have people like that. You’ll want to bring along materials to check how thick the ice is. One of the first indications that you may notice is if it is a blue, clear color, or if it is white or gray. The latter may mean that it’s not very safe to be one.