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West VIrginia State Wildlife Center's official prognosticator, French Creek Freddie, is poised to forecast the onset of spring on Wednesday, February 2 at 10:00am. French Creek Freddie has undertaken his annual ritual at the West Virginia State Wildlife Center since 1978. Each year visitors gather with anticipation to witness Freddie's first glimpse of the New Year and his annual prediction. On Ground Hog Day, Wildlife Center staff awaken the grumpy rodent and bring him out of his winter hibernation hole to allow him to look for his shadow and predict the severity of the remaining six weeks of winter. According to legend, if he sees his shadow we'll have six weeks of winter. No shadow means an early spring. He's usually right, but after making his forecast before an audience of hundreds of groundhog fans, including news media from around the state, he is more than happy to return to the warmth of his bed. Celebrating Groundhog Day at the Wildlife Center has become a popular event. Everyone is invited to join in the fun at the Wildlife Center, and afterwards take a walking tour of the nearly 30 species of native wildlife on display. Everyone is welcome to tour the exhibit after the ceremony. We'll have refreshments in the Gift Shop. Admission is free of charge.