The Conversation

Why do groundhogs emerge on February 2 if it's not to predict the weather?

Author: The Conversation

Guys, I'm just trying to hibernate over here.Jason Cohn / Reuters

According to legend, if the groundhog sees his shadow on February 2nd, there will be six more weeks of winter; if not, an early spring is predicted.

Of course groundhogs – also known as woodchucks – don’t emerge at this time just to be furry weather predictors. So...

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