Manitobans could be in for an early spring, according to Manitoba’s groundhog.
Manitoba Merv, a groundhog puppet at Oak Hammock Marsh, did not see his shadow as he gave his prediction Sunday morning.
For the past few decades, Manitoba Merv has almost always correctly predicted the arrival of spring-like weather, with only a few mistakes along the way.
Happy World Wetlands Day!
Manitoba Merv did not, we repeat did NOT see his shadow!! Looking like an early spring (all being relative for Manitoba of course).@weathernetwork @weatherchannel pic.twitter.com/pEjWBfMKUv— Oak Hammock Marsh (@OakHammockMarsh) February 2, 2025
Oak Hammock Marsh says that although they believe in the abilities of a plush rodent to predict the arrival of spring, they say the best way to find out if we have an early spring is by looking for the arrival of the first Canada Geese. Recording the spring arrival of the first Canada Goose seen at Oak Hammock Marsh is an annual tradition.
Elsewhere, Ontario’s Wiarton Willie did not see his shadow, while Nova Scotia’s groundhog, Shubenacadie Sam did.
Pennsylvania’s Punxsutawney Phil came out of his burrow in Gobbler’s Knob and also did saw his shadow, meaning another six weeks of winter.
Groundhog Day started as a German legend where if a furry rodent casts a shadow on Feb. 2, winter continues for six more weeks. If not, spring comes six weeks early.