Connecticut Getting 6 More Weeks Of Winter, Groundhog Predicts

MANCHESTER, CT — It was perhaps fitting that Chuckles XI, Connecticut's official groundhog, spent the early morning hours of Wednesday huddled under a blanket with his adopted sister, Jolene, because by the time the sun came up, he would see his shadow at the Lutz Children's Museum in Manchester and predict six more weeks of winter.

Welcome to Groundhog Day in Connecticut, 2022 style. It was Chuckles XI first year as the official prognosticator. Last year, another Lutz celebrity, Phoebe the hedgehog, stood in after Chuckles X died in October 2020. She also saw a shadow, albeit smaller, and predicted a longer winter.

Chuckles XI was thus officially sworn in Wednesday. He was a little nervous at first in front of the spotlights and may have had an accident in close proximity to one municipal official. Mayor Jay Moran was not shy about pointing out he still has a quick first step after dodging disaster.

"It's not the first time," Lutz officials said, citing other instances of stage fright among groundhogs.

A longer winter is not necessarily a bad thing for a certain segment of the Nutmeg State. Mount Southington General manager Jay Dougherty endured a frustrating weather pattern that left just four trails open through the new year. Alas, the colder weather showed up this month and the powerful snowmaking system turned the mountain into a winter paradise.

So he'll gladly take the prediction of Chuckles.

"Six more weeks of winter means six more weeks of family time on the mountain," he said while actually on skis Wednesday morning. "That's six more weeks of opportunity to learn a new sport and six more weeks to celebrate the winter season."

Chuckles seeing his shadow was justice Dougherty said.

"With the late start to out winter, I'm happy to see the groundhog is in agreement to extending the winter fun."

See more on the Lutz Groundhog Day Ceremony here.

Groundhog Day is rooted in a Pennsylvania Dutch tradition that a groundhog will emerge from its burrow on Feb. 2 to check out the situation. If he sees his shadow, that means six more weeks of winter are in order. A shadowless morning means an early spring.

And by the way, the legendary Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow in Pennsylvania too. See more on Phil's day here.