CALGARY – Prairie prognosticator Balzac Billy anticipates an early spring for Albertans.
The “groundhog” awoke from hibernation at the Blue Grass Nursery and Garden Centre, south of Airdrie, at around 8:11 a.m. on Tuesday.
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Billy didn’t see his shadow when he emerged from his burrow. According to tradition, that means an early spring is in store.
Billy’s prediction fell in line with fellow four-legged forecaster Shubenacadie Sam who also called for an early spring, while Ontario’s Wiarton Willie expects six more weeks of winter.
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In the United States, Pennsylvania’s Punxsutawney Phil predicted an early end to winter.
Meanwhile, this year’s Groundhog Day celebration was cancelled in Manitoba out of respect for Winnipeg Willow, who died last Friday at the Prairie Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.
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– With files from The Canadian Press