Jan. 11, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Hoy Murphy
304-558-2003
hmurphy@wvcommerce.org

Spend Groundhog Day with French Creek Freddie at the West Virginia Wildlife Center

French Creek Freddie, the state’s official weather prognosticating groundhog, is the star of the show this Saturday, Feb. 2 at the West Virginia Wildlife Center at French Creek in Upshur County. Bring the family along to watch Wildlife Center staff wake Freddy from his cold-weather slumber to predict whether we’ll see six more weeks of winter or if spring is on its way. 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. Wakeup time for Freddie is approximately 10 a.m.

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 interpretative trail 1.25 mile 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.

Hours may vary due to seasonal changes and weather conditions. Generally the Wildlife Center is open seven days a week, year-round, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A small admission fee is required April 1 through October 31, so if you come for Groundhog Day or any other day during the winter, admission is free!

For more information, 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 .

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