How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could predict the weather?
Woodchucks, commonly known as groundhogs, are marmots, a type of rodent that is basically a large North American ground squirrel.
These animals are humorously celebrated as weather forecasters every year in the U. S. and Canada, with Groundhog Day observed annually on February 2nd.
On this day, in several locations, a groundhog is summoned out of its burrow.
Whether or not the animal sees its shadow "determines" how much longer winter will continue.
This fun bit of forecasting folklore has ancient roots.
During the Middle Ages, people believed that hibernating animals, including badgers, emerged on February 2nd.
If the animals spotted their shadows, it meant six more weeks of winter would follow.
If no shadows were sighted, spring was on the way.
German immigrants brought this legend with them to Pennsylvania, which, since 1887, has become the epicenter of Groundhog Day.
