Lightning Caused Death Of 323 Reindeer, Expert Explains How

First Posted: Aug 31, 2016 08:15 AM EDT
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Three hundred twenty-three reindeer were spotted dead by hunters in Norway. A thunderstorm caused the lightning to hit and kill the reindeer herd and the unfortunate event was reported as the deadliest strike so far. Scientists are trying to figure out how this became possible.

During a thunderstorm that happened last August 27, 2016, a total of 328 reindeer were struck by lightning and were outright dead. Five among these animals were put down due to severe injuries and 70 among which were calves. The bodies were discovered by hunters in a remote area in Norway, according to Yahoo News.

Reports of people being struck by lightning are common, but the lightning incident that caused a large number of deaths, in this case--323 reindeer, is very unlikely. Two Australian experts from the research institute said that lightning can very much strike animals, too, such as seal pups, turkeys, elephants and giraffes. According to the Independent.co.uk, The Norwegian Environment Agency's spokesman, Kjartan Knutsen, confirmed that they haven't encountered such a large number of casualties before. Experts investigate and explain how this massive fatality happened.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration lightning safety expert, John Jensenius, explained that it doesn't have to be a direct strike in order for you to get shocked by a lightning. One possibility is that you can be hit by a "side flash" when a lightning hits a tree and if the animal or human was beside it when it happens. The electricity from this conductor jumps and transfer to the person or animal. The other one is that when the lightning strikes, the current travels the ground and spreads. If you are nearby your body will absorb the electricity, that's the time when you will experience the shock. The electricity goes directly to the body's nervous system and runs through the nerves, and will eventually stop the heart.

Studies show that a large number of reindeer deaths is probably because it has four legs. For lightning to spread the electricity, it usually goes up from one leg then exits to the other. In this case, the herd of reindeer is easily shocked because their legs spread out more and the current can travel easily.

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