The more unfamiliar and intense the sights, sounds and smells, the more likely the animal is to react negatively. A natural disaster, such as a hurricane, is extremely frightening to animals and often produces a state of panic.
All animals have an avoidance reaction to noxious and dangerous stimuli.
Their various senses tell them that a physical threat is approaching. The natural response is to move away from it and seek a safer environment. If escape is not possible or if the danger cannot be avoided, an animal reacts with both its nervous system and its hormones. The animal's face and body become tense. The ears are held alertly and the pupils constrict.