Early Spring

February 10, 2011

With the passing of Groundhog Day, I find myself wanting to know more about this adorable marmot that can supposedly predict the weather. 

I looked up groundhogs on two of the library’s databases, Amazing Animals of the World and Grzimek’s Animal Life. This animal, also known as a woodchuck, is in the same family as squirrels and chipmunks. They are solitary creatures, and their habitat is mainly in the eastern United States and Canada. Groundhogs hibernate during the winter and emerge sometime between late January and April. Though they are often considered pests, every year on February 2, people look to the groundhog to see how much longer winter will last. This year Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow signifying an early spring. 

Sandra P.
Blue Springs North