This morning, groundhogs General Beauregard "Beau" Lee at Dauset Trails Nature Center in Jackson, Georgia, and Punxsutawney Phil at Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, both failed to see their shadow, predicting an EARLY SPRING for 2024!
Phil made his prediction just prior to 7:30am with Beau following suit shortly thereafter. According to these guys, we will soon be enjoying warm weather and beautiful blooms!
Groundhog Day originated from a Pennsylvania Dutch superstition and continues on February 2 of each year. While Phil may be the more famous groundhog, Georgia is proud to have its own resident prognosticator, Beau. Learn more about him below.
Groundhog (Marmota monax)
Woodchuck. Whistle pig. Marmot.
Dauset Trails Nature Center is home for Georgia's Official Weather Prognosticator, the one and only, General Beauregard Lee. He makes his "early spring" or "more winter" weather prediction every February 2.
This large member of the squirrel family is diurnal, or active during the day.
They range from north GA up through Canada. They burrow extensively under ground and create separate chambers for sleeping, storing food, and waste elimination. Groundhogs lie in open wooded areas.
Herbivores, they feed on tender plants, especially crops such as corn. Beau loves to eat fresh corn, raw peanuts, carrots, sweet potatoes, apples, grapes, and watermelon. On Groundhog Day, he enjoys Waffle House hashbrowns.
Groundhogs hibernate from October through February.
Information from https://www.dausettrails.com/attractions/animal-trail/groundhog/
