Discover the meaning and history behind the annual February 2nd tradition. Learn why Punxsutawney Phil predicts the weather, the event’s ancient European roots, and what his 2026 shadow sighting means for the coming weeks of winter or spring.

Groundhogs spend the summer packing on fat for winter. During hibernation, which lasts about three to six months, they lose about 50% of their body weight. Each year, females give birth to one litter of three to five pups. These animals are the largest members of the ground squirrel family, weighing between 5 and 13 pounds.

After the recent whirlwind of severe winter weather, an early spring appeared unlikely. As groundhog Punxsutawney Phil predicted this Monday, six more weeks of winter await us. Dating back to 1887, Groundhog Day falls between the winter solstice and spring equinox offering a glimmer of hope in what can feel like a winter of never-ending darkness.

This groundhog has found a new borough. For-hire Pennsylvania groundhog “Wolfgang” spotted his shadow at Brooklyn’s McCarren Park in front of a crowd of ecstatic hipsters Saturday, whispering his weather prediction to perennial mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa — who claimed he’d don his own groundhog costume next year.

College students across Pennsylvania united on Feb. 2 to celebrate an annual state tradition of community and hope — Groundhog Day.

Chuckles XI, Connecticut’s most press-worthy groundhog, resides indoors at the Manchester Lutz Children’s Museum for 364 days a year. One day a year, she is god.

Without a resident groundhog, the Milwaukee County Zoo had an eastern black rhino handle its Groundhog Day prediction this year.

BBC News presenter Maryam Moshiri's Groundhog Day report has become her latest viral bulletin. During a report on Monday (2 February), Moshiri explained that the day is when Punxsutawney Phil the groundhog gives his prediction on whether there will be an early spring or six more weeks of winter.