Bernard the groundhog at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary in Green Bay, makes his first Groundhog Day prediction, February 2, 2023. PC: Fox 11 Online
(WTAQ-WLUK) — It will be an early spring for Northeast Wisconsin.
Bay Beach Bernard, the resident groundhog at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, made his annual Groundhog Day prediction on Monday morning.
Bernard said he did not see his shadow and therefore predicts an early spring.
The Groundhog Day tradition is if a groundhog emerges from its burrow on Feb. 2 and sees its shadow due to clear weather, it will retreat to its den and winter will go on for six more weeks; if it does not see its shadow because of cloudiness, spring will arrive early.
A native New Yorker, Bernard was brought to the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary to live after he was hit by a vehicle. He has been making groundhog predictions for Northeast Wisconsin since 2023.
Further east, however, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow Monday morning at Gobbler’s Knob, meaning there will be six more weeks of winter weather.
If you want to meet Bernard, the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary is hosting an event this weekend.
The 20th Annual Frosty Family Fun Night will be Saturday, Feb. 7 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
It features night hikes, wolf howling, lightened paths, music, food trucks, hot chocolate, hot cider station and much more.
It costs $10 a family or carload and free for Fowls members.
Proceeds benefit the R-Paws Wildlife Rehabilitation Program.
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