A groundhog in Kentucky died on Groundhog Day shortly after delivering an “early prediction” for the annual Feb. 2 tradition, according to a wildlife rehabilitation center in the state.
Second Chances Wildlife Center wrote Friday on social media that Major, who lived at its facility, sadly and “most ironically” died peacefully overnight on “His day.”
The center, based in the city of Mount Washington, noted that Major’s death was due to his age, at nearly 10 years old, along with heart issues.
“He was full of amazing energy up until the end. He will forever be in our hearts,” it wrote .
“It’s a sad day for us at the Center, especially for those who have been with us his whole life. We know you are sad too. Hugs to all of our friends. Know that he is at peace eating treats, walking about, and ringing all the bells.”
Just days before his death, Major predicted an early spring — much like the famed Punxsutawney Phil did this year — and passed his prognostication duties to another groundhog at the center, Josie Burrow, who made her Groundhog Day debut Friday, the Lexington Herald Leader noted .