Punxsutawney Phil

High school (ages 12+)
Animals & Nature

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/punxsutawney-phil

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the scientific name?Marmota monax
2. What is the conservation status?Least Concern. Groundhog populations are widespread and stable across their range
3. Why does Phil come out on February 2nd?On February 2, called Groundhog Day, Phil comes out of his burrow to see if he sees his shadow. If he sees a shadow, it means more winter; if not, spring is coming early.
4. How does Phil predict the weather?Phil looks at his shadow after emerging from his burrow. If he sees a shadow, he thinks winter will stay longer; if no shadow, he thinks spring will arrive sooner.

Marmota monax: The scientific binomial nomenclature for the groundhog, a large rodent native to North America.
Hibernation: A physiological state of inactivity and reduced metabolic rate, allowing animals to conserve energy during periods of cold and food scarcity.
Folklore: The traditional beliefs, customs, and stories of a community, passed down through generations, often orally.
Herbivore: An animal whose primary food source is plant-based.