by Suzanne Bertrand

Created on: January 28, 2010   Last Updated: February 03, 2010

The adorable groundhog will peak his nose out of his burrow on February 2nd and the fate of winter will be determined. Adults and children alike can't resist the predictions of this woodchuck called Punxsutawney Phil. Celebrations begin early at Gobblers Knob where 40 thousand people await the sighting of this squirrel like animal. Fireworks, food and music start the event that captures the attention throughout the United States and Canada.  

This is what Phil is known for each year. If he leaves the heat simulated tree trunk and he does not see his shadow then winter is over. If Phil makes his exit and sees his shadow then he will get scared and return to his burrow. This apparently will ensure 6 more weeks of winter. Is this fluffy brown groundhog relatively accurate since he mostly returns to his burrow each year?

Phil lives in a comfortable heated burrow in Punxsutawney. He enjoys a diet of dog food and weighs approximately 15 pounds. His wild counterparts eat green plants such as dandelions and clover. The story is told that Phil has been living all these years and has done each prediction himself. The Inner Circle says that he drinks a special punch that enhances his lifespan. Each year he is held up in the air by the Inner Circle who apparently can understand the woodchuck language.

Groundhog Day coincides with Candlemas Day. This is a mid-evil Catholic Holiday that has similarities to Groundhog Day. On this day candles would be blessed, lit and set in each window for passersby to see.

The legend is told, “For as the sun shines on Candlemas Day, so far will the snow swirl in May."

According to the Groundhog Inner Circle, Phil is extremely accurate with a spot on prediction of 100%.

According to Storm Fax Weather Almanac he is accurate 39% of the time. 98 times he has seen his shadow, 15 times he has not seen his shadow and 9 times there was no record. It is said that it is practically impossible to have an early spring. Therefore every time Phil returns to his burrow, he is correct. On the times when Phil decides he is not going back in the burrow, then he is wrong. Why Phil would not want to stay out and enjoy the festivities with his fans is hard to understand.

Celebrating Groundhog Day is a tradition. By the time Phil is ready to make his entrance, people are excited about the concept of an early spring. Fans will wait to hear the news for the possible notion that there could be that chance of an early spring. By the time February rolls around, folks are certainly happy for any diversion they can get. After all, this sweet groundhog wouldn't let his fans down.

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