Ridge Lea Larry

Beginning in 1982, a stuffed groundhog named Ridge Lea Larry, has provided predictions at the University of Buffalo Department of Geology's annual Groundhog Day cookout.

If Larry casts a shadow during his appearance, there will be a long winter. Otherwise, there will be an early spring.

Ridge Lea Larry is named for the former location of the geology offices on the university's Ridge Lea campus.

The tradition was started as an excuse to have a lunch hour party. The cookout usually includes items like hot dogs, hamburgers, and groundhog-shaped cookies.

Dave Borden, who helped start the tradition and has since retired, keeps Larry at home on his refrigerator Larry is not forecasting.

In 2024, a new Ridge Lea Larry II, identified as the original Larry's nephew, started providing predictions after Ridge Lea Larry I was not able to attend the event that year. This Larry is a stuffed plushie groundhog and not taxidermied like the original Larry.