What is this Gator Doing on "Groundhog's Day"?

It's "Groundhog's Day" ... and inquiring minds want to know why this alligator has emerged from the depths of the canal behind the Stuart Post Office.
Photo: Janice Zynko

Today is February 2. The groundhog has spoken. And it's bad news.

"Punxsutawney Phil" has emerged to see his shadow, meaning winter will last another six weeks. German tradition holds that if a hibernating animal sees its shadow on February 2, winter will last another six weeks. If no shadow is seen, legend says spring will come early.

How did our little rodent friend (yes, groundhogs are classified as rodents) get his name? From Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, the site of the annual Groundhog event. There are a few other "predictors" around the country, but they all pale in comparison to Phil's ability to predict the remainder of winter. And for the record, Phil sees his shadow about 9 out of 10 times.

But enough on the rodent. Is there any significance of an alligator emerging from a canal to sun itself in South Florida on February 2? Send your creative thoughts to the blog for posting.