News release

Shubenacadie Sam Ready to Greet Visitors

Natural Resources and Renewables

Nova Scotians are invited to celebrate Groundhog Day with Shubenacadie Sam – in person and virtually – for the groundhog’s annual forecast from Shubenacadie Wildlife Park on Thursday, February 2.

Shubenacadie Wildlife Park’s well-known groundhog will emerge from a burrow at 8 a.m. People may attend the event in person this year or watch it livestreamed on the park's Facebook page. Sam will be joined by a groundhog mascot.

“This is a bit of annual mid-winter fun for everyone to enjoy the old folklore tradition by coming out in person to see the groundhog appear or by watching online,” said Natural Resources and Renewables Minister Tory Rushton. “Sam is just one example of the many interesting animals native to Nova Scotia that families can enjoy and learn about at our provincial wildlife park.”

Folklore says winter will last for six more weeks if the groundhog sees its shadow, while no shadow is a sign of an early spring.

February 2 is also World Wetlands Day. Shubenacadie Wildlife Park, Ducks Unlimited Canada and other partners will celebrate the day with displays and activities to raise awareness about the value of wetlands. Visitors will get a chance to see and learn about restored wetlands at the wetland centre.

The park is open from 7:30 a.m. to noon on February 2.

Quotes:

“It’s important we celebrate and restore wetlands – they provide habitats for hundreds of wildlife species, including species at risk, they mitigate climate change effects by absorbing carbon, and help protect coastal communities from sea level rises and storm surges.”

– Katie Scott, Outreach Specialist, Ducks Unlimited Canada

Quick Facts:

  • the groundhog’s scientific name is Marmota monax and it is one of 14 types of marmot that can be found in the Northern Hemisphere
  • except for Groundhog Day, Shubenacadie Wildlife Park is open only on weekends during winter, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • World Wetlands Day was established by the United Nations and is celebrated internationally
  • Nova Scotia is home to three designated wetlands of international importance

Additional Resources:

Shubenacadie Sam on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShubenacadieSam

Shubenacadie Wildlife Park:

World Wetlands Day: https://www.worldwetlandsday.org/

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