(WWJ) On a frosty February morning in 2021, Michigan's official prognosticating groundhog has predicted six more weeks of winter.
Woody the Woodchuck was coaxed out of her burrow at the Howell Nature Center at around 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Groundhog Day, to make her 22nd big prediction.
As the tradition goes, if Woody emerges from her house and stays out for 30 seconds or longer, she is indicating an early spring. If she doesn't come out at all or runs back into her house before the 30 seconds are up, she is forecasting six more weeks of winter.
It was touch-and-go this time, as it first appeared that Woody — with a curious expression on her face — had no intention of scurrying back insider her den. But, sure enough, she did just that within the 30-second window.
Woody's 2021 prediction puts her in line with that of Pennsylvania's famous Punxsutawney Phil, who's also calling for a long winter. Historically, that's not always the case, as the two do tend to disagree at times.
A little different this year, Wood's big moment was presented as virtual event, streamed live on Facebook without a crowd in attendance. Ahead of her prediction, viewers were treated to a video presentation about groundhogs, and special behind-the-scenes look inside Woody's home.
Want to show Woody your support? The Howell Nature Center is working to raise $10,000 for her habitat's renovation.
Donations can be made at bit.ly/WoodysNewHome or at howellnaturecenter.org!
