Groundhog by Nikon66

Today is Groundhog Day in America and Canada. This morning the famous groundhog Punxsutawney Phil let everyone know that winter will be around a little bit longer.

According to folklore:

If a groundhog emerging from its burrow on this day fails to see its shadow, it will leave the burrow, signifying that winter will soon end. If on the other hand, the groundhog sees its shadow, the groundhog will supposedly retreat into its burrow, and winter will continue for six more weeks

When I was younger, I remember another winter forecaster called the Woolly Bear Caterpillar. These caterpillars usually make an appearance some time in the Fall. They are made up of thirteen segments. Each of these segments may either be black or reddish brown in color. Some believe that the length of the reddish brown section can forecast the severity of the coming Winter. The smaller the reddish brown section. the harsher the coming winter. Similar to Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, thousands of people gather in Vermilion, Ohio for the annual Woolly Bear Caterpillar Festival and winter prediction.

Now I’m sure absolutely none of this is based on hard scientific fact, but I did have fun looking for caterpillars!

Know of any other animal folklore?  Share it in the comments!

Woolly Bear Catepillar by Andrew