Why would anyone want to set aside a day to honor a lowly little groundhog? The answer to that question is not certain, but a group of people get together every February 2 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to watch Punxsutawney 'Pete' leave his burrow. What 'Pete' does next, many believe, will indicate whether spring is just around the comer or a long way off, You see, in Pennsylvania on this date there is usually a great deal of snow on the ground, and the little animal has been hibernating during the long, cold winter. He gorged himself during the autumn months and then went into his burrow for a long sleep, his body fat helping keep him alive. But as he emerges on February 2, he looks very thin. If the sun is shining brightly and he sees his shadow, according to legend, it scares him back into his home where he will stay another six weeks. Should it be cloudy and gray, the little animal will supposedly wander While many believe in the groundhog's predictions, it is unwise to accept them as factual. According to this reading, why do people gather every year to observe the groundhog?
A.
He's cute and playful, and children love to watch him.
B.
He's looking for food and the people want to help him find it in the snow.
C.
Many people believe him to be a harbinger of spring.
D.
The people want to be sure he is alive after such a long winter.