Tomorrow, Feb. 2 is Groundhog Day. Once again, furry critters will be asked to predict the weather with a particular focus on just how much longer winter will stick around.
This week we are highlighting five famous groundhogs — and their shadows — from across North America. Surprisingly, there are lots of groundhogs out there, featuring names like Buckeye Chuck or Nova Scotia’s Shubenacadie Sam, but for us these five stand out from the rest.
(And just be thankful we didn’t turn this into one big joke in which we just listed the same thing over and over, just like something out of the classic film).
Balzac Billy of Balzac, AB
Balzac Billy is unusual, in that he is not a real groundhog. Rather, he is a Richardson’s ground squirrel. Also, he is just someone wearing a suit. But of course that doesn’t mean Billy is incapable of making his annual predictions. In fact, Billy has been a part of the groundhog scene for decades now. He may even remind some people of Moose Jaw’s short-lived prognosticator, Snewsie.
Wiarton Willie of Wiarton, ON
Willie is probably Canada’s most well-known groundhog. But he is also notable because he is an albino groundhog. The original Willie died in 1999 but his successors have helped carry the torch. The Wiarton Willie Festival is a major event that draws in thousands of visitors every year.
Potomac Phil of Washington, D.C.
This particular Phil is known as the “National Groundhog” and is located in Washington, D.C. Technically, Phil is a stuffed version of a groundhog. Nevertheless, the taxidermic Phil still comes out each year to make predictions about both the weather and the political climate. Live accordion music accompanies the celebration. Oh, and Phil is also accused of collusion. Scandalous!
General Beauregard Lee of Jackson, GA
Considered the most accurate of the groundhogs, General Beauregard Lee supposedly has a 94 per cent accuracy rating. Be sure to pay attention to his forecast! In honour of his work, Beau has received a certification in “Doctor of Weather Prognostication” from the University of Georgia, as well as “Doctor of Southern Groundology” honours from Georgia State University.
Punxsutawney Phil of Punxsutawney, PA
Phil is the groundhog that was featured in the Billy Murray film. He is known the world over for his annual predictions. Phil is known as the “Seer of Seers” and “Prognosticator of Prognosticators.” He is cared for by an inner circle. They claim there has only ever been one Phil and credit his long life to drinking the mysterious “elixir of life.” The annual ceremony has been held in Gobbler’s Knob each year since 1887.
