A #NewsQuiz about Groundhog Day, featuring Wiarton Willie, Shubenacadie Sam, Balzac Billy and other famous rodents.

The day eventually evolved into what we know it today. In 1886, Groundhog Day was acknowledged for the first time in Punxsutawney by a local newspaper, Weathers Wags, according to the club. In 1887, the first official pilgrimage to see Phil on Gobbler’s Knob while he made his predictions were made.

Groundhog handler AJ Dereume holds Punxsutawney Phil after the groundhog saw his shadow predicting six more weeks of winter during the 139th annual Groundhog Day festivities on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, in Punxsutawney, Pa. (Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)

So while there have likely been several Punxsutawney Phils since 1886, the Groundhog Club doesn't publicize that information, maintaining that Phil is over 130 years old thanks to the elixir of life. (The club also maintains that Phil is accurate 100% of the time, while the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says it's more like 35% ).

Before a huge crowd filled with excitement and anticipation, and bundled up against temperatures in the 20s, the groundhog known as Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow Sunday morning in central Pennsylvania. That means we could see six more weeks of winter , at least according to Groundhog Day lore.