FAQs
The origins of Groundhog Day can be traced to German settlers in Pennsylvania. These settlers celebrated February 2nd as Candlemas Day. On this day if the sun came out then there would be six more weeks of wintry weather. At some point people began to look to the groundhog to make this prediction.
What are some fun facts about groundhogs day for kids? ›
The origins of Groundhog Day can be traced to German settlers in Pennsylvania. These settlers celebrated February 2nd as Candlemas Day. On this day if the sun came out then there would be six more weeks of wintry weather. At some point people began to look to the groundhog to make this prediction.
What are 5 interesting facts about groundhogs? ›
5 Fun Facts About Groundhogs
- Groundhogs are the largest members of the squirrel family.
- Although they are usually seen on the ground, they can climb trees and swim.
- Groundhogs are considered a true hibernator. ...
- Groundhog burrows can be as deep as 6 feet and as large as 20 feet or more.
What are 6 facts about Groundhog Day? ›
9 Fun Facts About Groundhog Day
- Legend has it that Punxsutawney Phil is actually immortal. ...
- February 2nd isn't just a random date. ...
- Traditional celebrations once involved eating the groundhog. ...
- Punxsutawney Phil owes his status as a household name to Bill Murray. ...
- Groundhogs have something in common with catcallers.
What are 10 facts about Groundhog Day? ›
8 Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Groundhog Day
- The groundhog really can predict the end of winter. ...
- Punxsutawney Phil is just a nickname. ...
- The original Groundhog Day involved eating groundhogs. ...
- Punxsutawney Phil isn't the only weather predictor. ...
- "Groundhog Day" the movie put Punxsutawney Phil on the map.
What are groundhog babies called? ›
Baby groundhogs go by several names. They can be called pups, kits, and cubs. Groundhogs usually give birth to litters with around three to six pups, though they can occasionally give birth to 10 young in some litters. Adult groundhogs are also called woodchucks and even whistlepigs.
What are 3 facts about Groundhog Day? ›
We have some fun facts to fill you in on Phil.
- The groundhog wakes up from hibernation on February 2.
- If the groundhog sees its shadow when it emerges from its burrow, there will be six more weeks of winter.
- If it does not see its shadow, spring will arrive soon.
- This tradition started in Europe as Candlemas Day.
What is a groundhog's favorite food? ›
Favorite foods include alfalfa, clover, peas, beans, lettuce, broccoli, plantain, and soybeans. Groundhogs will often devour your seedlings before they even have time to grow. Rabbits and deer eat some of the same plants, so make sure to check for burrows before concluding that you have groundhogs.
How do you call a groundhog out of its hole? ›
Flood the tunnel with water.
Put the end of your garden hose into one of the entrance holes for the tunnel, and turn your water on. As water fills the tunnel, the groundhogs will leave the burrow so they don't drown.
What are some facts about groundhogs for preschoolers? ›
The rodents enter their burrows to hibernate in the winter and come back out around the same time every year. Males poke their heads out in early February—not to forecast more winter weather, but to claim their territory. In the spring, females give birth in their dens to about three to five pups.
The honorary groundhog did not see his shadow Friday morning, predicting that there will be an early spring. The day marks the 21st time Phil has not seen his shadow during the 138-year-old tradition.
What are some fun facts about Phil the groundhog? ›
As the inner circle has stated, Phil is 137 years old thanks to his mythical “Groundhog Punch.” While domesticated groundhogs may only live up to 13 years in captivity, Phil has lived over ten times that lifespan. In fact, Phil has even surpassed the limits of human age by 15 years.
Is Groundhog Day OK for children? ›
Groundhog Day was rated PG, allowing children access with parental permission.
Can you explain Groundhog Day to me? ›
It derives from the Pennsylvania Dutch superstition that if a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day and sees its shadow, it will retreat to its den and winter will go on for six more weeks; if it does not see its shadow, spring will arrive early. In 2024, an early spring was predicted.
What do groundhogs eat kids? ›
Types of Food
Groundhogs are primarily herbivores and rely on typical garden crops; however, they will sometimes feed on some insects and worms: Greens like lettuce, alfalfa, clovers, dandelions, daisies, red mulberry and hackberry leaves. Trees (specifically bark and twigs) like black cherry and dogwood.
What is one interesting fact about Groundhog Day? ›
Groundhog Day has origins in Germany, where hedgehogs were first used as the season-predicting mammals, according to Groundhog.org. Since hedgehogs aren't native to the United States, another hibernating animal was chosen in their stead: the groundhog.
What is so special about Groundhog Day? ›
It derives from the Pennsylvania Dutch superstition that if a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day and sees its shadow, it will retreat to its den and winter will go on for six more weeks; if it does not see its shadow, spring will arrive early. In 2024, an early spring was predicted.
How old is Groundhog Day? ›
Many sources claim that the original Groundhog Day took place in 1887, when residents of Punxsutawney set out to Gobbler's Knob, known as Phil's “official” home, but the first piece of evidence Yoder found of townspeople trusting a groundhog for the weather, a diary entry, was dated 1840.