Watch 2 groundhogs — and an armadillo — make Groundhog Day predictions in the Triangle
In North Carolina, it can be hard to know whether you can trust a groundhog.
One day we have a wintry mix and a run on milk and bread followed by temperatures in the high 60s. (Hi, Friday, we’re looking at you.) In other words, we’ve got unpredictable weather.
Still, we turn to our Triangle-based groundhogs — there are two of them — to help us make sense of it all. Plus, Apex is making things interesting with an armadillo. If the groundhog sees its shadow, we’ve got six more weeks of winter. If not, hello, spring!
Wednesday is Groundhog Day, and the forecast in Raleigh calls for some fog in the early morning with partly sunny skies the rest of the day.
Update: Punxsutawney Phil, the grand pooh-bah of groundhogs, saw his shadow Wednesday morning, according to numerous media reports.
Here’s how you can watch our local prognosticators.
Sir Walter Wally, Raleigh
When: Feb. 2, 12 noon
The details: In pre-pandemic times, crowds would gather outside the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences to watch the furry critter make his prediction. This year, for the second year in a row, Wally is going virtual. The forecast is at noon along with lessons about nature.
What’s his take on the weather? Away from his usual showcase of Downtown Raleigh, Wally made a prediction from the snowy mountains of Tennessee. He predicted an early spring, virtually, to Raleigh City Council member Nicole Stewart, whose colander helmet helped translate Wally’s message for the rest of us.
How to watch: Go to naturalsciences.org or straight to the museum’s YouTube channel.
Snerd the Groundhog, Garner
When: Feb. 2, 10 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
The details: Garner’s Snerd will be in person this year, with a return to White Deer Park, 2400 Aversboro Road. Plus, people can hang out with Smokey the Bear, listen to stories and more.
What’s his take on the weather? In 2021, Snerd predicted another cold six weeks.
How to watch: Snerd will make his prediction on the stage at 12 noon sharp.
Sylvia the armadillo, Apex
When: Feb. 2, 12 noon to 1 p.m.
The details: Why an armadillo, you ask? “Here in the Peak we like to do things a little differently,” the town says. This is Sylvia’s second year as a weather prognosticator, said Stacie Galloway, the town spokeswoman. “This is all of our mayor’s doing,” she said. Mayor Jacques Gilbert wanted Apex to have its own groundhog last year, but none were available. He turned to Animal Edventures Sanctuary and Nature Park, based in Coats, for other options.
“They volunteered Sylvia, the armadillo,” Galloway said.
What’s her take on the weather? “Much to our dismay Sylvia did see her shadow,” Galloway said about her debut in 2021.
How to watch: See whether the armadillo makes a run for its own day at The Depot, 220 N. Salem St., or watch a livestream on the town’s Facebook page at facebook.com/TownofApex.
Pumpkin the groundhog, Chimney Rock
When: Feb. 2, 10 a.m.
The details: This is the 17th annual Groundhog Day event at Chimney Rock State Park, but this is Pumpkin’s first go at predicting weather. He takes over for previous prognisticator, Greta the Groundhog. The park says Pumpkin has moved south from a New York wildlife rehabilitation center due to brain damage that now prevents him from surviving in the wild. “We are so happy to have him at Chimney Rock as an animal ambassador where he can live safely and help teach people about his species,” the park says.
What’s his take on the weather? We’ll find out. Last year, Greta predicted more winter, The Citizen-Times reports. Did we mention Pumpkin also will predict the winner of the Super Bowl?
How to watch: The ceremony will be virtual only at 10 a.m. on the park’s Facebook page or at 10:30 a.m. on the park’s YouTube channel.
This story was originally published February 1, 2022 at 3:26 PM with the headline "Watch 2 groundhogs — and an armadillo — make Groundhog Day predictions in the Triangle."