News release

Winter Length Determined By Popular Predictor

Natural Resources (to July 2018)

Nova Scotians can watch Shubenacadie Sam check for his shadow, at 8 a.m. Monday, Feb. 2, to find out how much longer winter will last.

If the Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park resident groundhog sees his shadow when he emerges from his lair, folklore says we will see winter for six more weeks. If he fails to see his shadow, an early spring is promised. People can visit the park to see Sam or watch the Sam Cam online at www.wildlifepark.novascotia.ca/.

"Nova Scotia's unique location makes us a leader in groundhog forecasting," said Natural Resources Minister Zach Churchill. "Sam's prediction will be heard by the world an hour before his Ontario and American cousins check for their shadows so our groundhog gathering will be first, with lots of family fun and educational displays too."

Visitors on Monday morning can enjoy free hot drinks, crafts, face painting and games. Feb. 2 is also World Wetlands Day so there will be displays and experts on hand from the Clean Foundation, the departments of Natural Resources, Environment, and Agriculture, Ducks Unlimited, Maritime Aboriginal Aquatic Resources and the Cobequid Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. Admission is free.

For more information on the festivities, check www.wildlifepark.novascotia.ca or http://wetlandcentre.com .