Many Texans are asking how long it will be before spring-like temperatures return to the Lone Star State after two arctic cold blasts with accompanying winter weather this season. An armadillo in Bee Cave, Texas, may have the answer.
For over 135 years, Punxsutawney Phil has been predicting the return of spring from Pennsylvania on February 2, which is also known as Groundhog Day in much of the country. But in Texas, it’s called Armadillo Day, and Bee Cave Bob, a nine-banded armadillo, is the source of the forecasts.
Bee Cave Bob, named for the Hill Country city where he was born, will be led from a fictitious culvert onto a slab of concrete painted to resemble a highway between 1:45 and 2 p.m. CT on February 2. A weatherologist named Al Manac will be watching his movements and will be there with bells on, according to organizer Mike Burke.
Like Punxsutawney Phil, the prognosticating works. There will be six more weeks of winter, according to mythology, if Bee Cave Bob casts a shadow on a clear day. A overcast day portends an early spring with no shadows.
In 2024, Burke stated that he should be able to predict the weather far more accurately than a groundhog. Our theory is that, and we’re sticking to it.
In 2010, a group of friends, including Burke, began the yearly custom. The Bee Cave When a group of friends in Central Texas, formally known as the Benevolent Knights of the Raccoon, chose to reject the festival with a rodent theme and create their own prediction, Bob’s career officially began.
The Texas Legislature designated the West Pole as the honorary location of the world’s West Pole in 2007, and it is celebrated on a ranch in Bee Cave on Armadillo Day.
The Benevolent Knights turn to member Ralph Fisher, a former rodeo clown and animal trainer and rehabilitator, to help them deal with Bee Cave Bob. The second armadillo to receive the award is Bee Cave Bob. Burke stated the previous one retired and died. Today’s armadillo is about eight years old.
As a 2024 surprise, participants had their first opportunity to meet the armadillo that will assume the role of prognosticator. Fisher presented Bobby, a young armadillo who will eventually replace Bee Cave Bob, to the audience.
At the 2024 ceremony, Fisher stated, “We have a spare that I want to show you because Bob has been here for eight years and we were wondering if he’ll be here another eight.” This man is a rising star. Bobby is his name.
Despite being strongly associated with Texas, the armadillo didn’t reach the American South until it crossed the Rio Grande in the 1880s. Unfortunately, the species has come to be associated with roadkill because of the timing of the broad adoption of cars and later interstate highways. It won’t be long before you spot one by the side of the road in the Lone Star State.
Visitors are welcome to visit the West Pole Ranch in Bee Cave to witness the forecast if they can locate it. According to Burke, the celebrations will begin at 1 p.m. CT, rain or shine. There will be live music, as well as cowboy stew, chili, and tamales to enjoy after Bee Cave Bob’s forecast. Bring your own liquor. There will also be an opportunity to pet and take pictures with the well-known armadillo at the kid-friendly event.