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What is a groundhog?
A groundhog belongs to the rodent family. It is otherwise known as the woodchuck or
whistlepig. Groundhogs are common in the central and eastern United States, but are
rarely seen in the West except in Alaska.
What do groundhogs do?
The groundhog is a type of ground squirrel that digs a large burrow
for a home. Groundhogs spend considerable time outside of their burrows, but when they do
they are cautiously listening and watching for danger. Since they are herbivores, their
appetites keep them foraging through fields in search of leaves and berries that suit
their taste. They generally stay close to their burrows in case a wolf, coyote, or other
predator decides to pursue them.
Groundhogs avoid the winter cold by hibernating in their burrows. This
natural adaptation to the scarceness of winter food allows them to survive the winter in
a comfortable slumber underground. They generally remain in their burrows until March or
April, unless they are called upon to predict the weather in February (like on Groundog
Day).
Groundhog Day Celebration
There is little doubt that Pennsylvania has become the focus of Groundhog Day. It holds
the oldest known reference to the celebrated day of weather prediction dating back to
February 4, 1841. From this time it was claimed that if the groundhog emerges from its
burrow and sees its shadow, it will be frightened back into its burrow with the
anticipated arrival of six more weeks of harsh winter weather. If the groundhog remained
outside, however, it could be assumed that the groundhog did not see a shadow and fair
weather would arrive soon.
The town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania has gained increasing notoriety
since it began celebrating Groundhog Day in 1886. Punxsutawney Phil has become an icon of
the town. Phil’s predictions have gained national attention and the attraction of
as many as 30,000 visitors who come to see him make his predictions. According to
groundhog.org, Phil’s predictions have been 100% correct for over 120 years. With a
record like that, it is easy to see why so many people want to know what Phil thinks
about the weather.
Traditionally, Phil is awakened from his hibernating slumber to make
his prediction in Punxsutawney every year on the morning of February 2. He can be found
in a burrow beneath a tree stump where his is taken out for the main event at 7:25 A.M.
At that time, Phil has a look around and his prediction is made known to those in
attendance and the rest of the nation by media broadcast.
To many who live in areas with harsh winters, Groundhog Day holds an
especially important significance. As Groundhog Day comes approximately halfway through
the winter, any prediction of more mild weather is certainly welcomed by most at this
time. With only a few exceptions everybody hopes that Phil’s prediction will be one
for warmer weather.
Groundhog Day is a holiday that the whole family can look forward to
whether or not the prediction turns out favorably. It is a chance to see the famous
groundhog who only makes his national appearance once a year. It is also a day when
families can decide to get ready for spring or to keep out the winter gear. Whatever
weather the groundhog predicts, make Groundhog Day a day for fun with your family and
remind them to enjoy the variety that each season brings.
- Article by Wes Fessler
Sources:
1. Groundhog.org “Things You Need to Know if You’re
Planning to Attend”
http://groundhog.org/info/generalinfo.php [Accessed 25 June 2007]
2. Groundhog.org “FAQ”
http://www.groundhog.org/faq/ [Accessed 25 June 2007]
3. Wkipedia “Groundhog”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groundhog [Accessed 25 June
2007]
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