Trust the groundhog
The all-knowing nature of vermin and pests
Jeff Swensen
No related
We’ve survived the 10th coldest January ever, so what’s six more weeks of it?
Punxsutawney Phil, weather groundhog and famed “prognosticator of prognosticators,” saw his shadow this morning. That means another month and a half of digging your car out of the snow, slipping on ice on your way to the office, and other fun winter activities. But why, in this modern age, should you listen to a glorified rat instead of the weather app on your iPhone? The answer is simple: science!
Rodents know the future. Need a sports tip? Basketball-playing rats predicted Kansas' to win the 2008 NCAA tournament. The rats played a little one-on-one and the Jayhawks rat beat its Memphis brother 72-60, spookily close to the game's 75-68 final, though the rats didn’t have OT.
Mice can play the prediction game, too. Japanese research says a mouse can feel earthquakes before they happen, which makes them a great travel buddy next time you head to California.
Still not convinced? Voles (think mice but fluffier) can forecast climate change. Wild gerbils have warned about plagues in Kazakhstan. And squirrels know when trees will be especially nutty. Okay, so maybe that last one isn't particularly useful for humans. Still, think twice before calling the exterminator next time.
