Groundhog Day: Canada’s Famous Furry Forecasters Predict Early Spring

Shubenacadie Sam looks around after emerging from his burrow at the wildlife park in Shubenacadie, N.S. on Groundhog Day, Feb. 2, 2018. The Canadian Press/Andrew Vaughan

Canada’s famous prognosticating rodents appeared to reach a consensus on Groundhog Day, as furry forecasters spanning three provinces predicted an early spring.

Ontario’s Wiarton Willie, Nova Scotia’s Shubenacadie Sam and Quebec’s Fred la Marmotte all reportedly did not see their shadows on Friday morning. According to centuries-old folklore, that’s good news for Canadians tired of wintry weather.