Rutherford County, TN - In 2025, Groundhog Day fell on a Sunday. According to folklore, when a group of large ground squirrels in the family Sciuridae comes out of hibernation, if it’s sunny and they see their shadow, they become frightened and scurry back into their holes, predicting six more weeks of winter. However, if no shadow is seen, the groundhogs stay out, signaling that spring is near.

WGNS' spotters have been vigilant throughout Rutherford County, eagerly trying to locate our local seasonal prognosticator, the now-legendary Rutherford Ralph. At sunrise on Sunday, February 2, 2025, Rutherford Ralph was spotted in Walter Hill. Close observation revealed cloudy skies and no shadow. Again, NO SHADOW. Because Rutherford Ralph didn’t see his shadow, he wasn’t scared back into hibernation. In fact, he spent the day outside of the hole he dug and caught a few sunrays as he played for a bit, which means that Spring is near!

Meanwhile, Ralph's northern cousin in Pennsylvania, Punxsutawney Phil, saw his shadow and retreated back into his hole. Unfortunately for those in the northeastern region, winter will linger.

But the great news for Rutherford County is that Rutherford Ralph did not see his shadow and remains outside, heralding the arrival of an early spring!