New State Groundhog to Debut

Connecticut has been Chuckles-less since March, when the official state groundhog went to his borrow in the sky. Come February, however, a new furry critter will take the stage to predict whether winter weather will continue or wane.

Lutz Children's Museum in Manchester, where generations of Chuckles have made their home, announced this week that it has selected a new state groundhog - Connecticut Chuckles VIII. 

The rotund mammal, a female, will be sworn in as the official Connecticut State Groundhog on Groundhog Day Feb. 2.

Museum officials said that, like all animals the Lutz Children's Museum cares for, Connecticut Chuckles VIII sustained a serious injury and can no longer care for herself. The Lutz Children's Museum accepts certain injured wildlife from licensed rehabilitators or veterinarians and provides them with a safe new home.