Punxsutawney Phil Predicts An Early Spring

The very first Groundhog Day was celebrated 129 years ago today in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. This morning Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his burrow and did not see his shadow, signifying an early start to spring weather.

Here are some quick facts about Groundhog Day:
1. The groundhog is one of 14 species of marmots and is closely related to squirrels.
2. While most marmots are gregarious and love company, groundhogs are loners.
3. Groundhogs go by several aliases, including woodchuck, whistle-pig, forest marmot, and land beaver.
4. A woodchuck can’t chuck wood – the name doesn’t have to do with wood.
5. As “true hibernators,” groundhogs go into a dormant state and can reduce their body temperature to 41F degrees and slow their hearts to about five beats a minute.

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