Woodstock Willie Makes His 2016 Prediction

And, if Woodstock Willie’s 2016 prediction is correct, we will also see an early spring.

Sam is the earliest riser among his fellow prognosticating rodents in North America, given Nova Scotia’s time zone.

Thousands across the country are turning to furry forecasters with names like Shubenacadie Sam and Wiarton Willie Tuesday with hopes that winter’s end is near.

Sam popped out of his burrow at about 8 a.m. today, and because of the partially cloudy skies overhead, did not see his shadow.

While two groundhogs may have predicted an early end to the winter, some Canadians are still waiting for winter to begin in earnest. “I didn’t see my shadow” made it clear that warmer weather is expected to be on its way.

Winnipeg Willow, the Prairie Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre’s resident prognosticator, died Friday at age five – so this morning’s Groundhog Day events have been cancelled.

With the seasons-altering Groundhog Day now just hours away, Manitoba citizens are mourning the sudden loss of their beloved groundhog, aptly named Winnipeg Willow.

Willie made his prediction as his hometown celebrated the 60th anniversary of its Groundhog Day festival.

Pennsylvania’s Punxsutawney Phil, arguably the best-known weather predicting woodchuck, noted Winnipeg Willow’s passing with his handlers saying they were surprised by news of the death of Phil’s colleague.