Groundhogs, Woodchucks, Whistle Pigs?

Today, February 2, is Groundhog Day. Here are some interesting facts about them.

1. Their botanical name is Marmota Monax. They go by several common names—Groundhog, Woodchuck, Whistle Pig, and Land Beaver.
2. They are native to the eastern part of North America.
3. Their normal weight is about 12 pounds.
4. They hibernate all winter.
5. Their teeth never stop growing which is why they nibble a lot.
6. Their burrows are usually more than 30 feet long and they often build separate rooms.
7. They are herbivores, eating only vegetation.

Groundhog Day aligns with the feast of Candlemas, the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. Candlemas traditions involve weather predictions, where clergy would bless candles and distribute them. It was Germans who brought the tradition of using a groundhog to predict the weather. They chose a groundhog because they were closer in size to the badger they used in Germany.

The most famous groundhog is Punxsutawney Phil who makes his home near Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. He is the star of the annual Groundhog Day event held every year on February 2nd.

Of course we know the legend is that if the groundhog sees it’s shadow on Candlemas, February 2nd, then there will be six more weeks of winter. But how accurate is Punxatawny Phil?  According to NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Phill is accurate 35% of the time. Oh well, it’s still fun though.

Happy Groundhog Day!