Canadian groundhogs predict early spring

[Ani_Ibi]

Canadian groundhogs predict early spring

http://images.ctv.ca/archives/CTVNews/img2/20060202/160_wiarton_willie2_060202.jpg
Wiarton Willie did not see his
shadow Thursday morning -
making the prediction it will be
an early spring.

Wiarton Willie, the albino groundhog known for his annual weather forecasts, has predicted an early spring – but many Canadians are still wondering when winter will arrive. The pudgy white woodchuk did not see his shadow on Groundhog Day Thursday in the central Ontario town where residents are celebrating the 50th annual Wiarton Willie Festival all weekend. Willie made his prediction from the inside of a cage, allegedly whispering it to the town’s mayor.
Nova Scotia’s groundhog weatherman, Shubenacadie Sam, backed up Willie’s prediction, failing to see his shadow as well. He lives in a heated nursery in the Shubenacadie Wildlife Park near Halifax. Sam was the earliest of the furry forecasters to make his prediction known.

But, the groundhog that started it all had a different take on how many weeks of winter are left. Pennsylvania’s Punxsutawney Phil – a squirrel who lives in a tree – saw his shadow. If a groundhog sees his shadow, the tradition holds he will be scared back underground, symbolizing six more weeks of winter hibernation. If he doesn’t, he will stay outside and welcome in an early spring.

Wiarton is a small town on the Bruce Peninsula near the coast of Lake Huron.

Alberta has a groundhog named Balzac Billy. And there is a mythical creature in Ottawa called the Ice Hog.