CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C.,None — Grady, the resident groundhog at Chimney Rock State Park, saw his shadow around 10:45 a.m. Thursday, said Matt Popowski, public relations and events manager.
After seeing his shadow, Grady retreated back into his den, suggesting that “six more weeks of winter are ahead.” About 65 people were in attendance, including the second grade class and principal of Mount Vernon-Ruth Elementary School, Chimney Rock’s adopted school from Forest City.
Grady’s Animal Discovery Den, located on the Meadows at the Chimney Rock State Park, is home to a handful of live animal habitats, including snakes, turtles, an opossum and Grady the Groundhog.
These critters are stars in some of the Park’s education programs for schools, homeschoolers and scouts. A lifelike mural created by local artist Clive Haynes depicts the natural Hickory Nut Gorge environment and its native animals with hands-on displays.
Children and adults are encouraged to study and touch the furs of skunk, opossum and groundhog.
Also on display for viewing are a snake skin, deer skull and two turtle shells from a small Common Snapping Turtle and the N.C. state reptile, an Eastern Box Turtle.
WSOC
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