Kharkiv groundhog Tymko IV during Groundhog Day predicted that spring in 2026 will come in just six weeks. During the traditional ceremony, he saw his own shadow, which according to signs means prolonged winter weather. This was reported by Suspiline.
This year, the prediction was made for the first time by the new seer – Tymko IV, who is the brother of the well-known Tymko III. According to the head of the biological station of the Kharkiv National University named after Karazin, Volodymyr Hrubnyk, the groundhog woke up naturally and behaved calmly.
«So, in 2026, the groundhog saw his shadow. This means spring will come in six weeks. At least, that's what he thinks», – noted the scientist.
Groundhog Day 2026: Tymko IV's prediction
Volodymyr Hrubnyk mentioned that winter for the groundhogs passed without problems, although conditions were difficult, particularly due to cold weather and power outages. At the end of January or the beginning of February, the animals traditionally wake up for a short time, after which they go back into hibernation until genuine warming occurs. Tymko IV is now two years old and he already has a partner.
The biological station of the university currently houses 19 groundhogs. According to the head, this is the minimum number required for full scientific research, as the collection of groundhogs in captivity has existed for over 25 years.
Groundhog Day in Kharkiv: the history of the tradition
The tradition of celebrating Groundhog Day at the biological station in Haidary under Zmiiv was initiated in 2004 by Kharkiv scientists. During this time, predictions for spring have been made by three groundhogs. In the Kharkiv region, according to experts, there are between 5,000 and 18,000 groundhogs, and the event aims to draw attention to the protection of this species, which is listed in the Red Book of Ukraine.
Previously, we wrote about the prediction made by groundhog on February 2, 2025.