STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Staten Island Chuck is gearing up for his annual weather prediction on Groundhog Day 2024.
With an accuracy rate around 80%, there’s no doubt the furry forecaster is top-notch. But he faces competition from rival groundhogs and imitators. Here’s a look at Chuck’s biggest competition:
Groundhog Club handler A.J. Dereume holds Punxsutawney Phil, the weather prognosticating groundhog, during the 137th celebration of Groundhog Day on Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pa., Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023. Phil’s handlers said that the groundhog has forecast six more weeks of winter. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)AP
PUNXSUTAWNEY PHIL
Chuck’s biggest adversary from Pennsylvania is celebrated as a prodigy despite an accuracy rate around 39%, according to Fox 29.
The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club is gearing up to host a series of events spanning three days. Despite the attention and festivities, the question remains: Why doesn’t Chuck get all the accolades and appreciation that Phil does, especially when his accuracy rate is twice as good as Phil’s.
WOODSTOCK WILLIE
Based in Woodstock, Illinois, where the film “Groundhog Day” was shot, Woodstock Willie is credited with an approximately 50% accuracy rate. Willie’s claim to fame is the film’s location, but a mishap in 2017 may have affected his professional image.
BUCKEYE CHUCK
Operating out of Marion, Ohio, Buckeye Chuck has been predicting the weather since the 1970s and boasts a commendable accuracy rate of 70%. Recognized as Ohio’s official groundhog since 1979, Chuck is known for optimistic predictions, leaning toward forecasting an early spring.
FILBERT THE BEAVER
A trailblazing beaver from the Oregon Zoo known as “Stumptown Fil” opts for a unique prediction method, choosing between two scrolls instead of the traditional shadow approach. Despite the innovation, Chuck seems to adhere to the old adage, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
SHUBENACADIE SAM
“Shubenacadie Sam,” also known as…
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