Groundhog Day Celebration from the State Wildlife Center in French Creek

The State Wildlife Center in French Creek has obtained a one-day clearance from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to host the 2024 Groundhog Day Ceremony.

"Despite the challenges posed by the relicensing process, I am thrilled to announce that the West Virginia State Wildlife Center has received clearance to host a virtual Groundhog Day celebration tomorrow,” Gov. Justice said. “While we regret that the event must remain closed to the public for now, we extend our gratitude to the USDA for their support. So I ask all West Virginians to join us online as we mark this tradition tomorrow. We all look forward to reopening the Wildlife Center to the public soon."

“We thank everyone for their patience and continued support of the Wildlife Center and we look forward to welcoming you back to the facility when the relicensing process is complete,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion.

Due to the ongoing relicensing process and pending inspection approvals, the DNR regrets the temporary closure. As relicensing and inspection await approval, the Wildlife Center cannot exhibit animals and will remain closed until a new license is secured. WVDNR staff are actively collaborating with APHIS to expedite relicensing, with a commitment to notifying the public once the Wildlife Center reopens.

For more information about the West Virginia State Wildlife Center, visit WVdnr.gov/west-virginia-wildlife-center.