Bill Murray Was Bitten by a Wild Groundhog While Filming Groundhog Day

February 2, 2026: More than three decades after Groundhog Day became a comedy classic, Bill Murray is still sharing surprising—and slightly painful—stories from the set. One of the most memorable? Discovering that the movie’s famous groundhog wasn’t a trained animal at all, but a wild woodchuck that bit him not once, but twice during filming.

The revelation has become one of the most talked-about behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the beloved 1993 film, adding a new layer of chaos to an already iconic production.

A Classic Film With a Not-So-Cuddly Co-Star

In Groundhog Day, Murray plays cynical weatherman Phil Connors, who finds himself trapped reliving the same day over and over again. Central to the story—and the title—is the groundhog itself, often seen perched in Murray’s arms during key scenes.

At the time, Murray assumed the animal was trained for film work. But as he later revealed, that assumption turned out to be very wrong.

“It Was a Wild Animal”

Murray explained that during filming, the woodchuck suddenly bit him—hard. Then, unbelievably, it happened again. That’s when he realized the animal wasn’t domesticated or trained in the way he’d expected.

The bites were serious enough that Murray had to seek medical attention. What initially seemed like a funny on-set mishap quickly became a genuine health concern.

“It wasn’t acting,” Murray later joked. “That groundhog was very real.”

The Aftermath: Medical Treatment and Rabies Shots

After being bitten, Murray was taken to the hospital, where doctors determined he needed rabies shots—a treatment that involves multiple injections over a period of time.

The experience added an unexpected layer of discomfort to an already demanding shoot. While Groundhog Day is remembered for its charm and humor, filming it was far from easy, with long days, freezing temperatures, and now, wild animal encounters.

Murray later admitted that the shots were no joke, describing them as painful and exhausting.

Why the Groundhog Was Used Anyway

At the time Groundhog Day was filmed, animal safety standards were far less strict than they are today. The use of real animals—sometimes without extensive training—was more common, especially for brief scenes.

The woodchuck used in the film was intended to look authentic rather than obedient, which may explain why handlers underestimated how unpredictable it could be.

In hindsight, Murray’s experience has become a cautionary tale about assuming animals on set are harmless.

A Film Known for Tension Behind the Scenes

The groundhog bite story is just one of many behind-the-scenes challenges associated with Groundhog Day. Over the years, Murray has openly discussed creative tensions during production, particularly around the film’s tone and direction.

Despite those difficulties, the finished movie went on to become one of the most celebrated comedies of all time—often cited as one of the greatest films ever made.

Knowing what Murray endured makes the movie’s effortless charm all the more impressive.

Turning Pain Into Comedy Lore

Like many classic Hollywood stories, Murray’s groundhog bite has taken on a life of its own. What was once a genuinely frightening experience has since become part of the film’s mythology—shared in interviews, retrospectives, and fan discussions.

Murray’s ability to laugh about it years later reflects his signature humor and resilience. For fans, the story adds depth to a movie they already love.

How Fans Reacted to the Revelation

Fans have reacted with a mix of shock and amusement upon learning the groundhog was wild. Many admitted they had always assumed the animal was trained, especially given how calmly Murray appears in the scenes.

The revelation also sparked renewed appreciation for Murray’s performance—especially considering he was acting opposite an unpredictable animal while maintaining perfect comedic timing.

Would This Happen Today?

In today’s film industry, the situation would likely be handled very differently. Modern productions rely heavily on trained animals, animatronics, or CGI to avoid exactly this kind of risk.

Murray’s experience serves as a reminder of how much film safety standards have evolved—and how some iconic moments came at a real cost.

A Story That Refuses to Fade

Even after decades, Groundhog Day continues to be revisited, analyzed, and celebrated. Murray’s wild groundhog story only adds to the film’s enduring appeal, reminding audiences that behind every polished classic is a set full of unpredictable moments.

For Murray, being bitten twice by a woodchuck may not have been funny at the time—but it’s now firmly cemented in movie history.

A Painful Lesson From a Timeless Classic

While Groundhog Day is about repetition, Murray’s experience with the groundhog is one moment he’s surely glad he didn’t have to relive. The bites, the hospital visit, and the rabies shots were all very real—unlike the time loop in the film.

Still, the story stands as one more reason the movie remains endlessly fascinating: it wasn’t just about surviving the same day over and over—it was about surviving the set itself.

FAQs

Q1: Did Bill Murray really get bitten during Groundhog Day filming?
A1: Yes, Bill Murray revealed that the groundhog used in the film bit him twice during filming, leading to medical treatment.

Q2: Was the groundhog trained for the movie?
A2: No, Murray later learned that the woodchuck was actually a wild animal and not fully trained for film work.

Q3: What happened after Bill Murray was bitten?
A3: Murray was taken to the hospital and had to undergo rabies treatment as a precaution following the bites.

Q4: Did the incident delay filming?
A4: While filming continued, the incident added stress and difficulty to an already challenging production.

Q5: Would a wild animal be used in a movie today?
A5: It’s highly unlikely. Modern film productions follow strict animal safety protocols and often use trained animals or CGI instead.

Q6: Has Bill Murray spoken about the incident since?
A6: Yes, Murray has shared the story multiple times over the years, often with humor, despite how serious it was at the time.

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