Groundhog Day predictions: Pa.’s rodents are cut up on winter vs. early spring

Poppy, a rescue marmot who starred in a Groundhog Day television commercial starring Bill Murray at 11 a.m. today, took second place in the annual rodent-based forecast for spring and winter.

The Millersville resident of Acorn Acres Wildlife Rehabilitation strolled straight to the bowl of goodies on the early spring side of her run.

And with this prognosis, the 4 marmots that provided marmot day prognoses for an early spring or a longer winter of another 6 weeks split up in the middle of the topic.

FILE – In this file photo dated Feb. 2, 2020, Groundhog Club co-handler Al Dereume Punxsutawney is pinning Phil, the weather forecasting groundhog, during the 134th celebration of Groundhog Day at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Due to safety precautions regarding COVID-19 transmission, the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club has announced that there will be no public participation for the 2021 event. However, the inner circle of the club will set off to Gobblers Knob on Tuesday, February 2, for the 135th celebration, which will be broadcast over television, internet and live streaming. (AP Photo / Barry Reeger, File)AP

The most famous of the woodchucks, Punxsutawney Phil, provided his official carers at Punxsutawney Groundhog with a socially distant, virtual forecast for another 6 winter weeks.

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Grover the Groundhog and Sweet Arrow Sue, the only married pair of weather forecast marmots, share their outlook on Groundhog Day in a YouTube video.

Around the same time of sunrise, far to the southeast, in Sweet Arrow Lake County Park in Schuylkill County, Grover the Groundhog and Sweet Arrow Sue – the only projected husband-wife team of large rodents – offered a YouTube prediction of more spring hope:

I need a break from the pandemic blues

Grover has some good news.

At 7:37 a.m., the clouds blocked the sun.

Yes, spring is coming.

It’s time for some fun.

York Slumbering Groundhog Lodge members deliver Poor Richard’s prediction in a Facebook Live event.

And then, in York, poor Richard agreed with Phil 6 more weeks of winter weather in a virtual forecast for the Slumbering Groundhog Lodge.

Here’s how the Lodge’s sublime hibernation revealed Richard’s reputation:

Sit back and wait

For March 21st.

Stay safe and warm

With your cozy material.

The temperatures will be cold.

The sun will still be shining.

But in reality for everyone

Spring weather may not be on time.

So listen to my friends

Poor Richard has to fight there

That we will still have 6 weeks of winter

Until the end.

And Poppy ended the morning with her forecast for late risers.

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So there you have it. An even separation. Take the average or make your choice, but don’t expect wild marmots to show up for a forecast today. Not after the massive snowfall of the past few days.

Contact Marcus Schneck at mschneck@pennlive.com.