Every February 2, America turns to a small town in central Pennsylvania to find out if a small four-legged creature sees its shadow.
Folklore says that if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, the country will wait another six weeks of winter weather.
This groundhog tradition is thought to have originated in the 1800s and, for decades, has been a staple in American culture.
But since its inception, so-called animal fortunetellers have popped up across the US, all with the same goal of answering the age-old question: When will winter end?
Fufu the Oregon hedgehog
The Oregon Zoo says they’re the ones to watch out for whether there’s an early spring or a lingering winter.
Although FuFu the hedgehog only made predictions for a few years, folklore says that the tradition of turning to this spiky fortune teller for weather analysis dates back centuries to old Europe.
FuFu the hedgehog has been making predictions for several years, as hedgehogs have been used to make weather analyzes since centuries back to old Europe. Oregon Zoo / Youtube
Europeans may have come across the most accurate diviners in the animal world.
The hedgehogs at the zoo fared slightly better than Punxsutawney Phil, with about a 53% accuracy rate.
Florida owl
Residents in Southwest Florida say they will pay tribute to birds that are common in the Sunshine State and other hot spots in Central and South America.
Biologists say the burrowing owl is one of the smallest owls in the state, but its predictions are always great.
Burrowing owl forecasts are always great, with Florida residents depending on the owl’s shadow for how many weeks of winter remain. SailingAway – stock.adobe.com
Floridians believe that if an owl sees his shadow, it will signify six more weeks of winter.
But keep in mind, late winter days in South Florida typically see lows in the upper 50s and highs in the upper 70s, which isn’t too bad compared to other areas around the US.
“This is our way of localizing the classic Groundhog Day event and making it our own,” said Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife Vice President Pascha Donaldson. “This event is also an opportunity to spread awareness and provide education about burrowing owls.”
Groundhog Club co-operator John Griffiths and co-operator Al Dereume hold Punxsutawney Phil, the weather forecasting groundhog, during the 133rd Groundhog Day celebration at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pa. AP
Penny the Pisgah Squirrel from North Carolina
For 10 years, people in Brevard, North Carolina, have turned to white squirrels for their weather forecasts.
The center of attraction used to be Pisgah Pete, but because of his retirement, Penelope Ella Catherine Elizabeth – also known as Pisgah Penny – will be surrounded by fanfare.
In addition to forecasting the weather, this busy little squirrel will also see who will win the upcoming Super Bowl.
Besides being a weather forecaster in North Carolina, Pisgah Penny the squirrel will also be used to predict who will win the next Super Bowl. White Squirrel Institute
Since the start of this annual event, the White Squirrel Institute says they have seen a significant increase in the intake of white squirrels, which greatly helps the wildlife center.
Clucksatawney Chicken Henrietta New York
Since 2019, some New Yorkers have enlisted the help of a chicken to decide when they will say goodbye to Old Man Winter.
Muscoot Farm in the town of Katonah is home to several chickens, including the famous Clucksatawney Henrietta.
This annual event is unique in that the prediction of winter does not depend on whether or not Henrietta sees her shadow, but rather when the bird lays her eggs.
If Clucksatawney Henrietta lays eggs during the ceremony, it means the end of winter is near. Muscoot Farm / Facebook
Farmers say if chickens lay eggs during the annual Groundhog Day ceremony, there will be an early spring; otherwise, New Yorkers will face six more weeks of winter.
There’s no word on whether the egg-laying style of divination is more accurate than seeing a person’s shadow figure. But anything will happen when you get tired of seeing snow drifts burying everything in sight.
Connecticut Duck Scramble
Connecticut’s most famous duck handlers believe they have the most accurate forecasting alternative on the planet.
Every year in Eastford, a small gathering of residents braves the chilly morning temperatures for the annual forecast Scramble the Duck.
Connecticut says if the Scramble sees its shadow, that means there are six more weeks of winter. Duck Fight / Facebook
If Scramble sees his shadow, it means the area will be saved for another six weeks of winter.
Organizers say their predictions are 100% accurate because ducks are smarter animals than groundhogs and are more vulnerable to extreme weather.
Bob the Armadillo Texas Bee Cave
Texas has a unique way that residents will try to get a glimpse of whether spring will come early.
Outside of Austin, Bob the armadillo is the animal everyone sees for his annual predictions.
Texans use Bob the Armadillo to get predictive insights that determine whether spring will come early. Parks & Wildlife TX / X
Every year, the animals are driven from Katy to Bee Cave for the public to participate in the annual event.
Organizers say the animals may not always get the predictions right, but the little guy perseveres, enduring the cold winters and hot summers of Texas.
Stumptown Oregon Fil the beaver
An animal very similar to the groundhog that those who live in Oregon look to determine the fate of Old Man Winter is the beaver.
For years, Stumptown Fil, otherwise known as Filbert the Beaver, has been making predictions from his home at the Oregon Zoo.
Stumptown Fil has made a prediction from the Oregon Zoo, because the animal is very similar to a groundhog. Oregon Zoo / Youtube
Zoologists say what distinguishes an otter from a groundhog is its tail and teeth.
The adaptation makes the animal ready for its watery habitat compared to a groundhog, which prefers good dry land areas.
As for the accuracy of his predictions, zookeepers admit you might want to stick with a certified meteorologist.
In 2020, Filbert predicted an early spring, but about a month after that prediction, the zoo had to be temporarily closed due to ice and snow.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
