Find Out If Birmingham Bill Sees His Shadow At Birmingham Zoo

BIRMINGHAM, AL - Keeping with a recent tradition, the Birmingham Zoo's resident groundhog, Birmingham Bill, will make an appearance Friday morning and visitors can see whether or not he sees his shadow, predicting how much longer winter will last in Alabama - according to legend.

Beginning at 9 a.m. the zoo will host kid-friendly activities and games, followed by the groundhog event where Birmingham Bill will make his "prediction" at the Birmingham Zoo’s Schaeffer Eye Center Wildlife Stage. More activities follow.

Although the origins of Groundhog Day are disputed by historians, most agree that the groundhog tradition stems from similar beliefs associated with Candlemas Day and the days of early Christians in Europe. According to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, for centuries the custom was to have the clergy bless candles and distribute them to the people. "Even then, it marked a milestone in the winter and the weather that day was important," says a statement by the club.

Birmingham Bill is the Alabama version of Pennsylvania's Punxsutawney Phil.

Photo by Peyton Shepard