Phil’s Groundhog Day View Coloring Page

There’s something charming about imagining the world from a groundhog’s perspective on that famous February morning. This coloring page captures Phil peeking out from his burrow, taking in the winter landscape around him as crowds gather to see if he’ll spot his shadow. It’s a seasonal scene that gives you room to play with both cozy underground details and the crisp outdoor setting above.

What colors work best?

Phil himself calls for warm browns and tans, though you could add some reddish or golden tones to his fur for depth. The burrow entrance works well in rich earth tones – deep browns, clay oranges, and even some purple-grays for shadows. Above ground, think late winter colors: pale blues and grays for an overcast sky, or bright blue with warm yellows if you want to show that shadow-casting sunshine. Bare tree branches look great in dark browns or charcoal, and you can add touches of white or pale blue for any lingering snow patches.

Did you know?

Groundhog Day has roots in an old European tradition called Candlemas, where people watched for badgers or bears emerging from hibernation to predict spring’s arrival. The famous Punxsutawney Phil has been making predictions since 1887, though groundhogs typically only live 6-8 years in the wild – the tradition maintains there’s been only one Phil, kept alive with “groundhog punch.” Real groundhogs actually dig extensive burrow systems with multiple entrances and separate chambers for sleeping, hibernating, and even a bathroom area.

How to color this one

Colored pencils work beautifully here since you can layer different browns to create realistic fur texture. Try coloring Phil in light strokes that follow the direction fur would grow. For the burrow’s darkness, build up layers gradually rather than pressing hard right away. If you’re using markers, consider a light brown or tan base with a darker brown on top while it’s still slightly wet to blend. The sky area is a good place to practice gradient techniques, moving from darker blue at the top to lighter near the horizon.

Who’ll love this?

This one appeals to anyone who enjoys seasonal traditions and animal subjects. Kids learning about holidays will find it relatable, while adults who appreciate folk traditions might enjoy the nostalgic element. It’s nice to color in early February as a quiet way to mark the holiday, or as part of a weather or hibernation lesson.