The day before Groundhog Day 2024, The Weather Channel reported that the weather forecast in Pennsylvania for Feb. 2, 2024 clouds, potentially suggesting that Phil won't see his shadow — and that prediction was right. Phil emerged from his burrow around 7:30 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, and didn't see his shadow. The groundhog is known as Punxsutawney Phil, because the town where the Groundhog Day tradition originated is called Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. A big celebration is still held in the town to this Groundhog Day has been celebrated in the United States since at least February 2, 1886. Starting in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, with its now-famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, the tradition spread throughout America. What is Groundhog Day? People flock to Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, on Feb. 2 every year to be a part of the celebrations revolving around Punxsutawney Phil's winter forecast. The Pennsylvania Lottery's mascot is a groundhog named Gus, referred to in commercials as "the second most famous groundhog in Pennsylvania", in deference to Phil. [26] Because the Groundhog Club Inner Circle has trademarked the use of the name "Punxsutawney Phil", no commercial entity may use the name without the permission from the Inner 1993 - Columbia Pictures releases the movie, "Groundhog Day," starring Bill Murray. In the years following the release of the movie, crowds numbering as high as 30,000 have visited Gobbler's Knob Groundhog Club handler A.J. Dereume holds Punxsutawney Phil during the 138th celebration of Groundhog Day on Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, Friday, Feb. 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger) Groundhog Day (Pennsylvania German: Grund'sau dåk, Grundsaudaag, thanks to a live stream provided by Visit Pennsylvania. 2021 was the 135th celebration, A groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil is central to the traditional Groundhog Day celebrations held each year on the 2 nd of February in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. It’s said that if Phil emerges from his burrow and is able to see his shadow, then there will be six more weeks of winter. If Phil cannot see his shadow, then spring will arrive early! The "Punxsutawney Groundhog Club" was founded in 1886 by a group of groundhog hunters, one of whom was the editor of the town's newspaper and quickly published a proclamation about its local What is Groundhog Day? Groundhog Day is an "unusual holiday," according to the Farmers Almanac, that dates back centuries to European traditions. The event will be broadcast live on The opening of a groundhog burrow is between 10-12 inches in diameter and can be easily seen by a pile of dirt at the entrance. A groundhog burrow is always about 6 feet (1.8 meters deep), and its wideness is 20 feet (6m). The main nest chamber is situated at the end of the burrow. How Long Does It Take for A Groundhog to Dig A Burrow? These rodents are native to North America and are most recognized for their burrowing habits and their role in American folklore related to Groundhog Day. With a body length of 16 to 26 inches and a weight of 4 to 9 pounds, groundhogs are one of the largest members in the squirrel family. The Groundhog Day celebration at Gobbler's Knob started in 1887. Aside from a 10-year gap, records for each prognostication have been meticulously kept. Over the years, Phil has predicted six more This species forages primarily during the early morning and late afternoon. However, it does collect and eat food throughout the day as well. It is not uncommon for this rodent to eat a pound or more of food in a single day. Groundhog’s Day. The famous namesake of this species, Groundhog’s Day, falls on February 2 nd every year. During this Groundhogs are diurnal mammals, which means they do all their activity during the daylight hours. Groundhog Habitat: Where Do Groundhogs Live? Groundhogs live in underground burrows in open fields that edge against forests to the north and east of the great plains. They also occur in similar habitats in the northwest. On Groundhog Day, the club holds a "solemn" ceremony as a groundhog, named Phil, is pulled from a "burrow" in front of TV cameras and cheering crowds. The club says Phil has predicted 99 forecasts Groundhog Day History: Lifespan: In the wild, groundhogs can live up to six years with two or three being average. In captivity, groundhogs reportedly live up to 14 years. If you’re looking for something a little different to break the monotony of the winter season, here are some fun and unique ways to celebrate Groundhog Day. 1. Watch Groundhog Day—and Live It Like Bill Murray! Let’s be honest: Groundhog Day (the movie) is as synonymous with the holiday as the actual groundhog. Bill Murray’s comedic Groundhog Club handler A.J. Dereume holds Punxsutawney Phil, the weather prognosticating groundhog, during the 137th celebration of Groundhog Day on Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pa., Feb. 2, 2023.
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