February 2 is Armadillo Day, Texas' answer to Groundhog Day. Due to the state's lack of groundhogs (although it does have prairie dogs), the informal group Benevolent Knights of the Raccoon decided in 2012 to replace them with an armadillo. Instead of Punxsutawney Phil and his kind, they bring out Bee Cave Bob for the spring predicting ritual. The current Bee Cave Bob is the second armadillo in the role. It should not be mistaken for International Armadillo Day on August 13.

At the West Pole Ranch in Bee Cave, Texas, Bee Cave Bob is placed in a fake culvert and allowed to wander out onto a fake roadway. If he heads back into the culvert, six more weeks of winter is predicted. If he stays out, an early spring is expected. He's even used to predict political outcomes, depending on whether he meanders to the left or the right. According to his promoters, he has a better track record of predicting spring than Punxsutawney Phil.

More Information

Armadillo Day (Texas Highways)

Also see

• February (month)