CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) today announced that French Creek Freddie, the state’s beloved weather-predicting groundhog, forecast an early spring during a Groundhog Day celebration at the West Virginia State Wildlife Center in Upshur County.
During the popular event, which was attended by 607 people, Freddie emerged from his burrow and did not see his shadow due to overcast skies, which is a Groundhog Day tradition that means warmer temperatures are on the way.
“Freddie’s prediction is always a highlight of the year, and it’s exciting to hear that we may have an early spring ahead,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “I want to thank everyone who came out to celebrate one of West Virginia’s most unique wildlife ambassadors and I invite folks to visit the Wildlife Center to learn more about our state’s native species.”
According to folklore, if a groundhog sees its shadow, six more weeks of winter can be expected. However, if no shadow appears, an early spring is on the horizon. Over the past four decades, Freddie’s accuracy rate has been about 50 percent, making his forecasts a fun and time-honored tradition for West Virginians. Freddie predicted an early spring in 2024.
Following the ceremony, guests were encouraged to take photos with French Creek Freddie, enjoy refreshments, participate in a “wood chucking” contest and explore the Wildlife Center, which features nearly 30 different species of native mammals, birds and reptiles.
The West Virginia State Wildlife Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through the end of March, with free admission during this period. Regular hours and admission rates go into effect in April. To learn more about the Wildlife Center, visit WVdnr.gov/west-virginia-wildlife-center.
