Groundhog Day

February 2nd is Groundhog Day. Although nobody gets a day off school, this holiday is still worth mentioning. Critters, like the groundhog or woodchuck, normally don't have holidays named after them, so how was the groundhog chosen?

Groundhog Day - A Brief History

The roots of Groundhog Day go back to the 6th century. It began with the German myth that, by simply showing up, hibernating animals were able to predict when springtime came. It is also believed that if the groundhog comes out of its hole and sees its shadow, we are in store for 40 more days of winter. To see a shadow, the sun must be out and the groundhog has to look in the correct direction. This weather folklore began in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Punxsutawney Phil (the offical US groundhog) is only accurate about 26 percent of the time.

Groundhog Day - 2007 Predictions

Groundhogs have given an unusually united prediction for the next six weeks. Punxsutawney Phil didn't see his shadow, which means that spring will come early in 2007. Staten Island Chuck (another celebrity 'chuck) didn't see his shadow either. All we can do is cross our fingers that these little rodents are right this time around!

Groundhog Day - What's In a Name?

Woodchuck and groundhog are common names for the same animal, the rodent with the scientific name of Marmota monax. Most closely related to squirrels, woodchucks can actually climb trees and swim.

Groundhog Day - Fast Facts About Woodchucks

Unlike beavers, these guys can't move timber, although some will chew on it. A wildlife biologist once measured the inside volume of a typical woodchuck burrow and estimated that - if wood filled the hole, instead of dirt - the industrious animal would have chucked about 700 pounds worth.

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