This is something that really has a hold on me. A ground hog see its shadow, that means more cold weather. In this day of doppler radar, pin-point weather forcasts, etc. can we really believe that one ground hog decides whether or not its going to be a long winter?
2007-02-19 20:28:39 · 4 answers · asked by B. Gregory 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
The statistical reliability of the groundhog predictor is petty slim. Groundhog day is roughly halfway between the winter solstice and the vernal equinox. If the groundhog sees his shadow, there is less cloud cover, so Earth's heat will radiate out into space. Thus, six more weeks of cold weather. If he doesn't see his shadow, there is a cloud cover, and heat will be reflected back to earth, thus an early spring.
Hey, at least it's a good story.
2007-02-20 12:24:49 · answer #1 · answered by greydoc6 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. They are just coming out of their burrows to find a mate.
But the festivals are a lot of fun and help break up the "oh god is it still winter" ya yas without all the hoo-ha of Valentine's day.
Oh, and BTW, they are edible.... taste like pork from what I understand. My dogs seem to think they are tasty enough... (border collie and an aussie. they are bred to do this and the farmers appreciate their services..their den pits can destroy a tractor in a second! so no one jump all over me!)
2007-02-20 07:28:01 · answer #2 · answered by dedum 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They are not to be trusted, and are lucky that they are not edible. Its because of them that we have all this bad weather.
As a joke, I like to set up a few portable spot lights around them, just to confuse them.
2007-02-20 07:00:51 · answer #3 · answered by Labsci 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
nope they lie
2007-02-20 04:32:45 · answer #4 · answered by Minty 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋