FRENCH CREEK, W.Va. — It’s official, West Virginia’s famous groundhog is predicting an early spring.
A slew of people, 607 in total, gathered Sunday morning for an annual Groundhog Day ceremony at the West Virginia Wildlife Center in French Creek in Upshur County to watch French Creek Freddie make his prediction.
Many claps and cheers came from the crowd as Freddie ended up not seeing his shadow as he made his appearance. 
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources says Freddie did not see his shadow due to overcast skies.
WVDNR Director Brett McMillion said this Groundhog Day tradition of the marmot not seeing his shadow means warmer weather ahead.
“Freddie’s prediction is always a highlight of the year, and it’s exciting to hear that we may have an early spring ahead,” McMillion said. “I want to thank everyone who came out to celebrate one of West Virginia’s most unique wildlife ambassadors and I invite folks to visit the Wildlife Center to learn more about our state’s native species.”
If Freddie had seen his shadow, it would have meant six more weeks of winter.
The DNR states that over the past four decades, Freddie’s accuracy rate has been about 50%, and he predicted an early spring in 2024 as well.
Following the ceremony, guests could take photos with French Creek Freddie, participate in a “wood chucking” contest, and explore the Wildlife Center’s nearly 30 different species of wildlife native to West Virginia.
The West Virginia State Wildlife Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through the end of March, with free admission during this period.