Marmot Day: Alaska Adopts Its Own Version Of Groundhog Day

JUNEAU, Alaska — Alaska now has its own version of Groundhog Day.

Then-Gov. Sarah Palin signed a bill last year to make every Feb. 2 Marmot Day in Alaska.

The bill was introduced by Sen. Linda Menard, a Wasilla Republican.

Because groundhogs are not common in Alaska, Menard says it made sense for the marmot to become Alaska's version of Punxsutawney Phil, the Pennsylvania groundhog famed for his winter weather forecasts.

Menard's bill didn't give marmots any weather forecasting duties, but she hopes the state will create educational activities around the animal.

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Information from: Juneau Empire, http://www.juneauempire.com

Comments

[Hammerofthor]

07:58 AM on 02/02/2010

Let's hear a big "Hurrah" for marmots, and Gov. Sarah Palin.

[Give Peace A Chance]

05:42 AM on 02/02/2010

A species that isn't endangered by the Palin clan?

[Littlewords]

04:13 AM on 02/02/2010

Headline:
Marmot Day: Alaska Adopts Its Own Version Of Groundhog Day

In a related story:
Alaska avg IQ drops another 10 points this week. Albeit, 5 points of the drop were attributed to the Palins returning back home this week between speaking engagements and other political disruptions.

[rigormrtis]

03:53 PM on 02/02/2010

I'd say the drop is accountable to the groundhog moving back home.

[petekwando]

01:45 AM on 02/02/2010

Hmmm, what constitutes a marmot-themed activity?

[Hardyman1966]

02:25 AM on 02/02/2010

...if he can see Russia, then someone has to spank Sarah once for each copy of her book she bought.

[Ducktaper]

02:43 AM on 02/02/2010

given the local .. likely shooting, stuffing or eating one

[ipastor01]

01:35 AM on 02/02/2010

isn't there permafrost in Alaska year round ?

[twadski]

01:13 AM on 02/02/2010

Give us the money, Lebowski!

[Ducktaper]

02:44 AM on 02/02/2010

LOL that is right where my mind went as well

[BadFlounder]

03:29 AM on 02/02/2010

Nice marmot dude.

[cookerman45]

01:03 AM on 02/02/2010

if they see Russia is winter done?

[cookerman45]

01:02 AM on 02/02/2010

do there mates quit work, stand behind them and look useless??

[cookerman45]

01:00 AM on 02/02/2010

what magazines do they read?

[cookerman45]

12:56 AM on 02/02/2010

are you allowed to hunt them from a plane?

[Ripley in CT]

12:04 AM on 02/02/2010

No Juneteenth, but a Marmot Day? Give me a break

[beekeeper]

12:02 AM on 02/02/2010

AKA Palin day, bottom feeder

[SirenForSanity]

12:28 AM on 02/02/2010

Yep, she's the quintessential mudpuppy.