One of the biggest supervillains in comic history is Magneto, a powerful mutant who clashes with the X-Men and has the ability to generate and control magnetic fields.

It’s an incredible superpower. And while it seems like the sort of science fiction that could only exist on the pages of a Stan Lee graphic novel, it’s not that far from reality. 

Animals and magnetic fields have a long history, and many animals can actually perceive magnetic fields to help them navigate on a daily basis and during migration. 

So, even though they can’t manipulate ferromagnetic objects like Magneto, they can “see” magnetic fields around them—and there’s some research that suggests even humans can sense the earth’s magnetic field!

Table of Contents

  • What Do We Know About Magnetism In Animals?
  • What Is Magnetoreception?
  • What Animals Can Sense Magnetic Fields? 

What Do We Know About Magnetism In Animals?

Our scientific understanding of animals and magnetic fields is constantly evolving, but here’s what we do know: Many birds, amphibians, reptiles, and marine animals navigate by sensing changes in Earth’s magnetic field. 

Most scientists believe this sense isn’t a conscious one. Instead, animals  respond to these fields instinctively. In some cases, this can even backfire; whale beach strandings are four times more likely on days when solar storms on the sun create high levels of radio-frequency noise and generate unusually high levels of electromagnetic radiation.  

What Is Magnetoreception?

Magnetoreception is the near-superpower ability to navigate and migrate entirely with the Earth’s magnetic field. 

Multiple studies have shown how this works—and you might even see it in action. Deer and cattle use magnetoreception for directions when they graze, but they often become confused near high-voltage power lines. 

A separate study placed robins inside a cage, then used a helmholtz coil to change the surrounding magnetic field. The simple change was enough to disrupt their sense of direction inside the cage.

What Animals Can Sense Magnetic Fields? 

Believe it or not, many animals can sense magnetic fields. While an exhaustive list is difficult to come by, some of your pets might even have magnetoreception! 

A few examples: 

  • Dogs
  • Rodents
  • Bats
  • Migratory birds
  • Homing pigeons
  • Frogs
  • Salamanders
  • Sea turtles
  • Salmon
  • Trout
  • Stingrays
  • Sharks
  • Giant sea slug
  • Lobsters
  • Fruit flies
  • Honey Bees

Which of these animals can detect magnetic fields? The answer is: ALL OF THEM!

Humans And Magnetic Fields

Believe it or not, research shows humans can sense Earth’s magnetic field, though they may not always realize it. One study conducted by US and Japanese scientists found distinct brain wave patterns when participants went through magnetic field rotation. 

Although these participants weren’t consciously aware of it, there is now evidence that the brain picks up on it—likely because of sensory cells containing magnetite. 

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