Shubenacadie Sam Says Spring Coming Soon

Department of Natural Resources

February 2, 2011 8:38 AM

Shubenacadie Sam says, despite today's snow, you will soon be able to trade in your snowsuit for gardening garb.

The groundhog stayed out of his burrow today, Feb. 2, predicting an early spring.

Nova Scotia's four-legged weather forecaster was the star attraction during Groundhog Day festivities at the Shubenacadie Wildlife Park. The annual event included face painting and crafts for children.

The province's time zone makes Sam the first groundhog to make a prediction in North America each year.

According to tradition, if Sam sees his shadow and runs back into his burrow, the province will get six more weeks of winter. If he stays out, spring is just around the corner.


FOR BROADCAST USE:

     Shubenacadie Sam, the provincial wildlife park's

groundhog meteorologist, stayed out of his burrow today

(February 2nd), predicting an early spring.

Shubenacadie Sam was the star attraction during the

Groundhog Day event at the Shubenacadie Wildlife Park.

     Sam is the first groundhog in North America each year to

predict whether there will be six more weeks of winter or if

spring is just around the corner.

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Media Contact: David Salter
              Natural Resources
              902-424-5239
              E-mail: salterdj@gov.ns.ca