Gordy the groundhog disagrees with Punxsutawney Phil, predicts an early spring for Milwaukee

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Punxsutawney Phil predicted a long winter on Wednesday, Feb. 2. While groundhogs in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania started the tradition of predicting the weather, no one knows what Milwaukee weather will bring better than the groundhogs who live right here at the Milwaukee County Zoo. 

Tradition says that if the groundhog sees its shadow and runs inside, then we're in for six more weeks of winter. 

Groundhogs at the Milwaukee County Zoo have been making the prediction since 1983. Waldo, Wanda, Walnut and Winter are among the groundhogs who've held the responsibility. For the last four years, it's been Gordy. 

"I would guess he probably sleeps maybe 20 hours a day or longer," said Lisa Guglielmi, the zoo's assistant farm curator. 

This year it was a little hard to get Gordy out of bed, but some snacks helped coax him out and into the cold. Feb. 2 was Gordy's big day! And once he left his house, he was in no rush to go back in. 

"I think it's safe to say that Gordy has not seen his shadow, so there will be an early spring for Milwaukee County," said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. 

While Gordy was out, he snacked on a sweet potato, granola and peanuts. But Guglielmi says those aren't all his daily treats, he usually eats a fairly healthy diet of broccoli. Afterwards, he couldn't wait to take a nap. 

"Once we have longer daylight, Gordy will be out longer," said Guglielmi.