Groundhog Day originated in German-speaking areas of Europe. When German immigrants migrated to the United States, they brought their traditions with them, particularly those who gravitated to areas of Pennsylvania.

It once was tradition in Germany to mark Candlemas Day, which occurred on February 2nd, as “Badger Day.” If the badger emerged from its den and found a sunny day and cast a shadow, there would be four more weeks of winter. If there was no shadow to be seen, then an early spring could be predicted.

The Pennsylvania Dutch immigrants maintained the same traditions, except for the duration of winter – it would either be prolonged for six weeks instead of four or be shortened by six weeks. For these Pennsylvania communities, the groundhog, rather than a badger, was more common and therefore took on the role of the prognosticating animal.

Considering that Pennsylvania was the early centralized spot for celebrating Groundhog Day, it should come as no surprise that it is still ground zero for these types of celebrations. Gobblers Knob in Pennsylvania is where thousands gather to see Punxsutawney Phil come out of his den each year. Yet this annual tradition is not exclusive to the Keystone state. There are various regions where Groundhog Day also is popular – and some do not even feature a groundhog.

Staten Island Chuck: Staten Island Chuck is touted as the most accurate groundhog for prognostication. Staten Island Chuck resides at the Staten Island Zoo on this island borough of New York City.

Sand Mountain Sam: People in Alabama celebrate Groundhog Day by referring to Sand Mountain Sam, who just happens to be an opossum.

Jimmy the Groundhog: Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, has been calling itself “The Groundhog Capital of the World” since 1948, when it was a way to commemorate Wisconsin’s centennial year. Now it uses the title to celebrate Groundhog Day, when Jimmy makes his predictions.

Owlivia and Owliver: Floridians in Cape Coral turn to a set of owls, known as Owlivia and Owliver, to find out if there will be six more weeks of winter. These are burrowing owls, so they are no strangers to underground dens.

General Beauregard Lee: The General resides in Jackson, Georgia, and is so skilled at weather prognostication that he holds honorary degrees from the University of Georgia and Georgia State University.

Big Al: Everything is bigger in Texas, and Groundhog Day is no exception. Instead of a groundhog, Big Al the alligator offers his forecast in southeast Texas each year.

Punxsutawney Phil may get the majority of the glory, but there are plenty more hard-working animals predicting the weather each Groundhog Day.