How it works
What a badger's shadow meant in Germany, when the forecaster was first called Phil, and what a study of 530 predictions found: four rounds for February 2, each answer with its reason.
Read the full guide
Four rounds for February 2
The shadow and the old lore goes back to badgers, bears and Candlemas. Pennsylvania and Punxsutawney has the diary of 1840, Gobbler's Knob and the lodges where English costs a nickel a word. Other forecasters meets a whispering woodchuck, a marmot and a beaver. Does it work? asks what studies have found.
Groundhog Day trivia questions and answers, printable
A tap on a choice shows the answer and its reason. After ten questions the card offers Print question sheet, a sheet of 20. Open More options there for Topic, to stay on one round, and for Print answer key.
Tips
- Other forecasters is the gentlest round by our estimate and the one for a class.
- No question is about the film of the same name.
Questions and answers
What happens if the groundhog sees its shadow?
According to the tradition, it retreats to its den and winter goes on for six more weeks. If it does not see its shadow, spring will arrive early.
When was the first Groundhog Day?
The earliest known mention is a diary entry of February 2, 1840, from Pennsylvania Dutch Country. The first Groundhog Day considered official was held at Punxsutawney in 1887.
How accurate is the groundhog?
Studies have found no consistent association between the shadow and the arrival of spring-like weather. A study of 2021 that compared 530 predictions by 33 groundhogs concluded that they are pure chance.
Is Groundhog Day celebrated in Canada?
Yes. Shubenacadie Sam of Nova Scotia makes the first prediction in North America each year, Wiarton Willie forecasts from Ontario, and in French Canada the day is called Jour de la marmotte.