Joe Manchin III, Governor
Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : January 17, 2008

Spend Groundhog Day with French Creek Freddie at the West Virginia Wildlife Center 30th Anniversary Celebration Planned

For the 30th year, French Creek Freddie, the state’s official weather prognosticating groundhog, will be the star of the show Saturday, February 2, at the West Virginia Wildlife Center at French Creek in Upshur County. Each Groundhog 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. 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. “Everyone is invited to join in the fun of Groundhog Day at the West Virginia Wildlife Center, and afterwards take a walking tour of the nearly 30 species of native wildlife on display,” said Rob Silvester, Wildlife Center manager. “Wake up time for Freddie is 10 a.m., and we’ll have some special events to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Freddie’s predictions. Since Groundhog Day falls on a Saturday this year, it’s a perfect time to bring out the whole family.”

The West Virginia Wildlife Center is a modern zoological facility displaying native and introduced state wildlife. Operated by the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, the Wildlife Center is dedicated to presenting visitors a realistic and factual understanding of our state's wildlife. Woodland wildlife can be viewed along a wheelchair-accessible, 1.25-mile-long interpretive trail through a mature hardwood forest.

Species at the facility include whitetail deer, black bear, wild turkey, and formerly native species that no longer live in the state, including elk, bison and mountain lions. The spacious enclosures allow the animals to interact with their environment and exhibit more natural behavior patterns. Interpretive signs help visitors learn more about each animal's life history, biology and its relationship with humans.

The West Virginia State Wildlife Center is located in Upshur County in north-central West Virginia, 12 miles south of Buckhannon on State Route 20. From the north, take exit 99 off Interstate 79 and follow State Route 33 east approximately 12 miles to Buckhannon and turn south on State Route 20. Coming from the south, take exit 67 off Interstate 79 at Flatwoods and follow State Routes 19 and 4 north approximately 30 miles to Rock Cave and Route 20. Follow State Route 20 North for 2 miles to the center. Visiting the Wildlife Center is a convenient side trip for travelers on I-79.

Call (304) 924-6211 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or visit online at www.wvdnr.gov/wildlife/wildlifecenter.shtm .

**DNR**