Groundhog Day is a time-honored tradition where people gather to see if a groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil and his friends will see its shadow and predict the coming of spring or an extended winter. But what if we told you that there are other North American mammals that are just as, if not more, accurate at predicting the weather?
- Chipmunks These little critters are not only cute, but they are also excellent weather forecasters. They are known to hoard food in preparation for winter, and their stash can give us a clue about the severity of the upcoming winter. If chipmunks are stocking up, then it is likely to be a long, harsh winter.
- Squirrels Just like chipmunks, squirrels are also known for their hoarding habits. If they are busily gathering nuts and storing them away, then it is likely to be a cold winter. If they are more relaxed and spending more time basking in the sun, then spring is likely to be just around the corner.
- Raccoons are known to have an excellent sense of smell, and they use it to track the changing seasons. If they are seen foraging for food late into the fall, then it is likely to be a mild winter. But if they start to go into hibernation early, then it is going to be a harsh winter.
- Skunks are a lesser-known weather predictor, but they are just as accurate as the others. Skunks have a keen sense of smell and are known to burrow in the ground to escape from the cold. If they are burrowing early, then it is likely to be a harsh winter, but if they are still roaming about, then spring is probably just around the corner.
- Opossums Opossums are known for their ability to adapt to changing temperatures. If they are seen foraging for food in the winter, then it is likely to be a mild winter. But if they are hiding away in their dens, then it is going to be a cold and harsh winter.
In conclusion, while Punxsutawney Phil and his counterparts may be the star of Groundhog Day, these North American mammals are just as, if not more, accurate at predicting the weather. So, the next time you are looking for a weather forecast, don’t forget to look to nature for answers.
