when did the groundhog die

The question “when did the groundhog die” could refer to a few different “famous” Groundhog Day animals in recent news and discussions. Here are the key ones people usually mean:

Quick answer

Several well‑known Groundhog Day groundhogs have died in recent years:

• Major (Kentucky, Second Chances Wildlife Center) – died overnight on Groundhog Day itself, February 2, 2024, after years of serving as a weather‑predicting groundhog.

• Milltown Mel (Milltown, New Jersey) – his handlers announced he died shortly before Groundhog Day 2022, just days before his scheduled prediction.

• Charlotte “Staten Island Chuck” stand‑in (New York City) – the groundhog used in the 2014 ceremony with Mayor Bill de Blasio died on February 9, 2014, a week after the event, from sudden internal injuries.

If you had a specific groundhog in mind (like Punxsutawney Phil, Wiarton Willie, etc.), tell me the name or place and I can narrow it down further.