10 Famous Groundhogs Besides Punxsutawney Phil

The groundhog gang

Maybe he just has a great publicist, but for far too long Punxsutawney Phil, the groundhog who predicts whether we’re in for six more weeks of wintry weather on February 2nd (Groundhog Day), has really stolen the spotlight from his brethren. Believe it or not, there are a slew of other famous groundhogs who have the same gig in their hometowns and have made quite an impression on their communities. So, without further adieu, meet the other furry little critters who everyone will be watching on Groundhog Day to find out if they see their shadows…or not. And in case you were wondering, here’s why we celebrate Groundhog Day in the first place.

Dunkirk Dave

Dunkirk Dave holds the auspicious title of being the world’s “second-longest prognosticating groundhog,” reports his official website. In 2019, the New York-based animal predicted an early spring. Bob Will, Dunkirk Dave’s handler, attributes his furry friend’s popularity to an article that appeared in the Dunkirk Evening Observer. “I have used a groundhog for over 58 years to predict the coming of spring weather,” Will says on the website. “Dunkirk Dave is the second-longest predicting groundhog. Also the only animal honored on the calendar is the groundhog.” Will is a state-licensed wildlife rehabilitator, which allows him to legally care for “sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife.”