MANCHESTER, Conn. -- The former official state groundhog, Connecticut Chuckles VI, also known as Arnie, has died, according to officials of the Lutz Children's Museum.

Arnie was 12 years old at the time of his death on Saturday. He was 3 days old when he was struck by a car. He survived the crash, but was unable to care for himself in the wild.

Arnie was taken to the Lutz Children's Museum in Manchester, where he soon became the official state groundhog, predicting the coming of spring each year.

He was succeeded in February by Molly, also known as Connecticut Chuckles VII.