Legends of this nature promoted some of the early superstitions that rabbits brought bad luck. During the Middle Ages, Europeans believed that witches could transform themselves into rabbits. They believed that if a rabbit crossed their path it meant bad luck would follow. Eventually, this belief transferred over to the black cat. Today, the rabbit is often a symbol of fertility and good luck.
Some people carry a rabbit's foot as a good luck charm.
The Easter bunny also means good fortune because the mythical animal brings candy to children. Perhaps the most famous animal legend surrounds the woodchuck, often called a groundhog. Legend tells that the animal can predict the weather. According to the legend, the groundhog leaves its winter burrow each year on Feb. 2. If the groundhog sees its shadow, winter will linger for six more weeks.