After I moved to western North Carolina, I started seeing big rodents on the side of the highway - too big to be a squirrel and they weren't prairie dogs either. They were groundhogs.

Eventually I encountered one of these cute creatures outside my apartment. This picture was taken October 22, 2009.

When I walked up to Mr. Groundhog to take this picture, the animal got scared and at first wouldn't move. Then he scurried away slowly. Groundhogs lack the speed of a squirrel.

Since today is Groundhog Day, here's a bit of trivia: Groundhog Day is 40 days after Christmas.

Accuweather's Groundhog Day infographic has more interesting fun facts about this day.

Groundhog Day Fun Facts infographic by  accuweather.