Massachusetts' official groundhog predicts 6 more weeks of winter

Isabelle Friedman, Boston Herald on Feb 2, 2025

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Massachusetts is in for another six weeks of winter, according to Commonwealth’s official groundhog, Ms. G, who saw her shadow this morning at Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary.

Ms. G has now made 18 predictions with an even split, but this is the first time in five years that the groundhog saw her shadow, causing a few groans from the attendees who may have been hoping for warmer weather, according to Mass Audubon.

The Massachusetts findings aligned with the famous Punxsutawney Phil’s of Pennsylvania, marking the second year in a row the two groundhogs have agreed. While Phil holds a 30% accuracy rate, Ms. G boasts a whopping 60% on her prognostications.

For the foreseeable future, Ms. G’s predictions appear accurate, with winter weather on the forecast for the next week.

To observe Ms. G’s decision-making, the wildlife sanctuary and working farm holds an annual event, attracting hundreds of visitors. This year’s Groundhog Day celebration included crafts, wildlife viewings and access to the sanctuary’s trails.

Metro West Regional Director Scott McCue and Senior Teacher Naturalist Tia Pinney also discussed climate change’s impact on New England wildlife and habitats, in addition to facts about groundhogs.

With groups of children continuing to visit her for the occasion each year, Ms. G owes her honor as the Commonwealth’s official groundhog to another group of children.

First graders at Hunnewell School in Wellesley worked to write a bill to designate Ms. G as such, eventually becoming law in 2014.

“It’s a tremendous example of how small groups of people can work together for a common goal and that you’re never too young to start caring about nature and the outdoors,” Mass Audubon President & CEO David O’Neill said.

Groundhog Day exploded in popularity following Bill Murray’s 1993 movie by the same name; however, the holiday holds roots in European folklore.

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