WVa groundhog predicts early spring in pandemic ceremony February 2, 2021 GMT FRENCH CREEK, W.Va. (AP) — West Virginia’s furry prognosticator says there will be an early spring. Nudged to come out in the snow, French Creek Freddie made the prediction Tuesday during a private ceremony on Groundhog Day at the West Virginia Wildlife Center in Upshur County. The annual public celebration was canceled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. The 338-acre Wildlife Center is otherwise open to the public every day through the end of March. Admission is free. “Freddie wishes he could have celebrated his special day with all his friends this year, but he’s in high spirits and hopes an early spring will encourage folks to visit him at the Wildlife Center soon,” said Trevor Moore, a wildlife biologist with the state Department of Natural Resources.