Petey is a fictional groundhog in the story you just read. But Phil is real!
Meet Punxsutawney Phil
Phil is a groundhog that lives in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. About 25,000 people from all over the country travel to see Phil every year. But why?
Groundhog Day!
This American holiday is celebrated every February 2. Over time, people have passed down a legend about groundhogs. The story says that groundhogs come out of their burrows on February 2. If they see their shadows, there will be six more weeks of winter. If not, spring will come soon!
Can Groundhogs Really Tell the Weather?
Weather scientists called meteorologists say no. But people celebrate the holiday anyway. This chart shows what some famous groundhogs saw last year.
Think and Write
Using details from the infographic, write a letter to your town leaders explaining whether you think your town should celebrate Groundhog Day.
Can't Miss Teaching Extras
Learn more about the famous groundhogs listed in the chart “2024 Groundhog Day Results” at Groundhog-Day.com. You’ll see what they forecasted for last year, and you’ll discover other famous groundhogs around the country too!
Meet another famous furry friend in “This Mayor Has Four Paws!,” a Mini Read about an animal mayor in Washington.
For another interesting animal story, read “Rocky’s Big Adventure,” a Mini Read about a tiny owl that made it to the big city in the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree!
