Well, Wikipedia tells me the following about this critter: The groundhog (Marmota monax), also known as a woodchuck, whistle-pig, or in some areas as a land-beaver, is a rodent of the family Sciuridae.

Thank you for this detailed explanation I suppose, but since the miscreant is too lazy to reside on the West Coast (although his relatives the marmots do), he should probably not hog (pun is unintentional) a whole day for himself on the calendar. Nonetheless, I wish all the people residing in cold areas, that they will be privy to an early spring, assuming the official groundhog (Phil is his name I’m told) does his job properly tomorrow in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, once he drags his lazy groundhog butt out of bed.

Happy Groundhog Day!