French Creek Freddie predicts early spring for Mountain State
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Despite his annual public celebration being canceled due to COVID-19 pandemic concerns, French Creek Freddie delivered a prediction of an early spring for West Virginia Tuesday morning.
FRENCH CREEK -- Although his annual public celebration was canceled this year due to COVID-19 concerns, French Creek Freddie nonetheless delivered good news for West Virginians Tuesday morning, predicting an early spring for the Mountain State.
French Creek Freddie, West Virginia's famous weather-prognosticating groundhog, has been making his predictions for more than 40 years. He delivered his Tuesday morning prediction during a private ceremony in his home at the West Virginia State Wildlife Center.
"Freddie wishes he could have celebrated his special day with all his friends this year, but he's in high spirits and hopes an early spring will encourage folks to visit him at the Wildlife Center soon," said Trevor Moore, WVDNR wildlife biologist.
According to tradition, an early spring can be expected if Freddie doesn't see his shadow, which is a result of an overcast sky on Groundhog Day.
After more than 40 years of making Groundhog Day predictions, Freddie has been correct about 50 percent of the time, officials said. This is the second year in a row he has called for an early spring.
"Freddie might be predicting an early spring, but don't put your coats and mittens away just yet because there's still plenty of time to get out and enjoy beautiful winter scenery here in West Virginia," said Zack Brown, WVDNR assistant chief of operations.
The West Virginia Wildlife Center is home to French Creek Freddie as well as nearly 30 different native and introduced animal species. The 338-acre facility remains open to visitors with extra precautions for preventing the spread of COVID-19. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., seven days a week through the end of March. Admission is free during this period.