Groundhogs and Lobster to Predict Weather Outcomes

On Groundhog Day, February 2, animals like groundhogs and even a lobster predict the arrival of spring or more winter by seeing their shadows. In Canada, Shubenacadie Sam forecasts an early spring, while predictions from Lucy the Lobster, Wiarton Willie, Fred la marmotte, Van Isle Violet, and Punxsutawney Phil in Pennsylvania are pending, with Phil predicting six more weeks of winter. Wiarton Willie, a celebrated tradition for over 70 years, draws crowds for festivities, while accuracy rates of these animal prognosticators vary significantly. Groundhog Day began in the U.S. in 1886, with Phil being the most famous, and its Canadian counterpart in Wiarton originated as a playful joke in 1956.