Groundhog Day is NO Fun for the Groundhog

Today, newscasters throughout the U.S. will laugh and joke as they report on whether or not Punxsutaney Phil, a groundhog held in captivity in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, sees his shadow. Every year on February 2nd we go through this same ritual. Supposedly, if Phil (and other groundhogs) sees his shadow, then we will have six more weeks of winter. If the groundhogs do not see their shadows (really the groundhogs could care less whether there are shadows or not!) then spring will arrive early.

Did you know

• The groundhog, or woodchuck, is one of 14 species of marmots.
• These rodents gorge themselves all summer to build up reserves of fat.
• After the first frost, they burrow underground and sleep until spring, depending on their stored body fat for nourishment.
• While hibernating, the groundhog's heart rate slows, and its body temperature is not much warmer than the temperature inside its burrow.
• Female groundhogs give birth to a litter of 2 to 9 babies in the spring.
• Baby groundhogs stay with their mother for several months.
• Groundhogs are the largest members of the squirrel family.
• That though they are usually seen on the ground, groundhogs can climb trees and swim.
• Groundhogs are typically found in areas where woodlands meet open spaces, like fields, roads, or streams.
• Groundhogs eat grasses and plants as well as fruits and tree bark.
• The average groundhog lives for only one year.
• GROUNDHOGS CANNOT PREDICT THE WEATHER -- and according to the calendar, we have 6 more weeks of winter!