Gwen Zappa, age 11, of Ottowa, Ont.i Canada, for her questions

Does a ground hog know when it is Ground Hog Day?

Feb. 2 is Ground Hog Day. On that day, the ground hog, alias the woodchuck, is supposed to wake up from his winter sleep and take a peek at the weather. If the sun is shining, he sees his shadow and pops back to bed for another six weeks of winter sleep, or so the story goes. But the furry ground hog knows nothing about this weathery story. He does not even know which day is named in his honor.

In cold winter climates, the ground hog hibernates from October until March. He may arouse himself in early February and go back to sleep, but this has nothing to do with the weather.