MARION, OH - It's OFFICIAL, we have a prediction from Ohio's own Buckeye Chuck! Legend says if Buckeye Chuck sees his shadow at sunrise, Ohioans will have to deal with six more weeks of winter, If he does NOT see his shadow, we will have an early spring. (results below)
iHeartMedia Marion’s 1490 WMRN, in partnership with the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, held our 47th annual Buckeye Chuck Day event on Monday. Buckeye Chuck (Murray), greeted his fans at a live in-person celebration at the Marion County Fairgrounds Colosseum. The event was also broadcast on Buckeye Chuck’s Facebook Fan Page. Sponsor for the event is Pillar Credit Union.
Buckeye Chuck encourages fans to support food pantries across Ohio, including the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry in Marion. Guests who contributed non‑perishable food items at the event received a Buckeye Chuck Day T‑shirt, generously sponsored by Hessler’s Screen Printing and more.
Thank you to all our listeners and supporters—those who traveled from afar, those from right here at home, and everyone who donated food or funds. Your generosity and enthusiasm are what make this celebration possible
We extend our sincere appreciation to State Auditor Keith Faber and Scott Brown for recognizing Buckeye Chuck with an outstanding community service honor.
Our thanks also go to Marion’s Mayor, Marion County Commissioner Kevin Davidson, and Marion County Naturalist James Anderson for their continued support and presence.
At 7:40am, Monday February 2nd, 2026
**“Ahem, gather ‘round, two‑leggers! Buckeye Chuck—Distinguished Burrow Scholar and Seasonal Forecaster Extraordinaire—After careful scientific analysis (and by that I mean poking his head out and squinting real hard)… did NOT see his shadow!
Which can only mean one thing: EARLY SPRING! Yes indeed, tell the flowers to stretch, tell the birds to warm up their vocal cords, and tell that other groundhog, that Chuck heard the news of his prediction, sighed dramatically, and went right back to munching his carrots like nothing happened.
Buckeye Chuck Day would not be possible without the outstanding partnership of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Buckeye Chuck—affectionately known as Murray—makes his home at the Museum, where he receives exceptional care from their dedicated team. Discover more about this remarkable institution below.
About the Cleveland Museum of Natural History
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History having recently completed its $150 million transformation illuminates the world around us and inspires visitors to engage with the natural forces that shape their lives. Since its founding in 1920, the Museum has pioneered scientific research to advance knowledge across diverse fields of study and used its outstanding collections, which encompass millions of artifacts and specimens, to deepen the public’s understanding of the dynamic connections between humans and nature. Through its Natural Areas Program, the Museum stewards more than 12,500 acres of protected ecosystems across northern Ohio. With its expanded campus totaling more than 375,000 square feet, more than 2 acres of outdoor visitor areas, and completely reimagined exhibits, the Museum serves as a vital resource that serves Cleveland and the nation. For more information, visit CMNH.org. Information on Buckeye Chuck, animal ambassador residing at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. https://www.cmnh.org/in-the-news/media-inquiries