Famous groundhogs

The groundhog -- sometimes called a woodchuck -- belongs to the group of mammals Rodentia, which includes squirrels, prairie dogs, and chipmunks.

- Weight: 2-4 kg, large ones may be heavier in autumn.

- Predators: Bears, wolves, lynx, bobcats, cougars, foxes, coyotes, and dogs.

- Colour: Fur colour ranges from yellowish to dark reddish brown. Belly fur is commonly straw-coloured and the feet black.

- Defence: Groundhogs are burrowing animals with strong legs and sturdy claws. They are fierce fighters if cornered, but prefer to duck into their burrows if endangered.

- Eats: Roots, grasses, leaves, nuts, berries.

- Hibernates: From Oct. or Nov. to Feb. or March.

GROUNDHOG DAY

- Based on a belief that the groundhog comes out of its hole after winter hibernation to look for its shadow. If the shadow is seen, it means six more weeks of winter. If no shadow is seen, an early spring is coming.

- Tradition brought to America by 18th century German settlers. A European belief was that a sunny Candlemas day meant winter would last for another six weeks. Germans added the explanation of an animal, initially a hedgehog, being frightened by his shadow on Candlemas day.

- The first official Groundhog Day was celebrated Feb. 2, 1887, in Punxsutawney, Penn.

PHIL'S PREDICTIONS

Punxsutawney Phil has made 121 predictions from 1887 to 2007. Residents claim he has never been wrong.

9 - No record

15 - Didn't see shadow

97 - Saw shadow

FAMOUS GROUNDHOGS

- Wiarton Willie- Wiarton, Ont. (better than 90% rate of accuracy)

- Shubenacadie Sam- Halifax, N.S.

- Manitoba Merv- Oak Hammond Marsh (north of Winnipeg), Man.

- Balzac Billy- Balzac, Alta.

- Staten Island Chuck- New York state

- Buckeye Chuck- Ohio