STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Every year on Groundhog Day, people around the world watch famous groundhogs predict if we will have an early spring or six more weeks of winter.
On Staten Island, we focus on our very own Charles G. Hogg, aka Staten Island Chuck. He is scheduled to make his prediction around 7:30 a.m. Friday at the Staten Island Zoo in West Brighton.
If Chuck sees his shadow, winter will continue for six more weeks; if he doesn't see his shadow, spring will come early.
Here are some things you need to know about groundhogs with the big day on the horizon.
1. They are considered rodents.
Groundhogs are considered a type of rodent known as a marmot, which is closely related to squirrels. They can be found all over North America, according to National Geographic.
2. They fill in for hedgehogs to predict the weather.
The origins of Groundhog Day can be linked to Candlemas Day, a holiday that was brought to the United States by the Germans. In Europe, hedgehogs or badgers were used to predict what the weather would be.
When German immigrants arrived in Pennsylvania, they found a large number of groundhogs, which resemble the European hedgehog.
3. They build large burrows.
A groundhog's burrow can be anywhere from eight to 66 feet long, complete with multiple exits and several chambers, according to National Geographic.
Some burrows may have several levels. One section of a burrow can be made for hibernating, while another section can be used during the warmer months.
4. They are also nicknamed "woodchuck."
Groundhogs have many nicknames such as land beavers, whistle pigs and woodchucks.
The origin of the name woodchuck is thought to be derived from the Algonquian name for the animals: Wuchak.
Watch the video above to learn more interesting facts about groundhogs!