1. Groundhog Day is celebrated on February 2 every year, but in Nevada, the focus is on a different animal: the sage grouse. February 2 is also known as "Sage Grouse Day" in Nevada, in honor of the bird that is native to the state and plays an important role in its ecosystem.

2. In 1861, Nevada became the 36th state in the United States on February 2. Nevada's statehood was rushed through with the support of President Abraham Lincoln, who needed another Republican state to help support his policies during the Civil War.

3. The famous Mustang Ranch brothel, located in Storey County, Nevada, was first licensed on February 2, 1971. The brothel operated legally until it was shut down by federal authorities in 1999. Today, prostitution is legal in some parts of Nevada, but not in Reno or Las Vegas.

4. In 1949, a massive snowstorm hit the state of Nevada on February 2, dumping 65 inches of snow in Reno and causing chaos throughout the region. The storm was one of the worst in Nevada's history and led to several deaths and widespread damage.

5. February 2, 1938 saw the opening of the Las Vegas Army Airfield, which later became Nellis Air Force Base. The base played a key role in World War II and has since become a center for tactical air combat training, with the world-famous "Red Flag" training exercises held there regularly.