Bill Murray recalls Groundhog Day bite, still bears scar. [Image Source: CONTENTSTACK]
Bill Murray disclosed during a 2025 interview that the groundhog featured in the 1993 movie Groundhog Day was not a trained animal but a wild woodchuck. The actor, who portrayed a weatherman caught in a repetitive time loop, explained that this wild groundhog bit him twice, which led to him receiving a rabies vaccination.
On the March 6, 2025 episode of Hot Ones, Murray, then 75 years old, recounted how the animal bit his finger on consecutive days, leaving him with a lasting scar. He explained,
“He got me back to back, two days in a row,”
speaking to host Sean Evans about the animal that played Punxsutawney Phil in the film.
Details of the Groundhog Incident on Set
Murray described the second bite in detail, noting his attempt to protect himself with heavy gloves. He said,
“And the second day … I thought I was being smart, and I put some fisherman’s gloves — like steel gloves on — underneath the gloves I was wearing. His teeth went right through the steel. Yeah, their teeth are about that long.”
The actor expressed frustration with the animal handlers after learning the groundhog was never trained.
“I got upset with the animal wrangler. I said, ‘Who the hell trained this gopher?’…with real rage, you know, ‘I am not leaving my trailer,’”
he said. Murray added that the handlers admitted,
“And the two of them — they were like a guy and gal couple … [they said] ‘Well, he’s really rather wild.’”
He recalled his disbelief, stating,
“‘Wild? What do you mean he’s wild?’ … ‘We caught him just over that way, over by that field, we caught him there like two weeks ago.’”
Murray concluded with dry humor,
“So, you know, you get what you paid for.”
The Film’s Legacy and Other Cast Reflections
Groundhog Day, directed by Harold Ramis, became a classic for its unique story of a man reliving the same day repeatedly. Aside from Murray’s experience, co-star Andie MacDowell reflected on the film’s impact in a 2023 interview, calling it,“a perfect movie.”
MacDowell described the movie’s deeper meaning, saying,
Image of: Bill Murray
“It’s sort of like [It’s] a Wonderful Life, in that you watch this movie and it makes you realize how gorgeous life is and how to be a good person,”
and continued,
“There’s a really deep message to it, and I think that’s what makes it — on top of it being just fun — so beautiful.”
Significance of Bill Murray’s Groundhog Day Experience
Murray’s revelation highlights unexpected challenges faced during the filming of a beloved movie, particularly involving animal actors. His encounter with the wild groundhog illustrates the unpredictability of working with live animals, even when preparation is assumed. The story also adds a personal dimension to the film’s legacy, emphasizing the commitment of actors dealing with unforeseen difficulties.
As the film continues to resonate decades after its release, these behind-the-scenes details contribute to its enduring cultural significance, while reminding audiences about the realities of movie production beyond the screen.
