Shubenacadie Sam
Shubenacadie Sam is THE leader in the woodchuck weather-forecasting industry by virtue of his location: the Shubenacadie Wildlife Park in the town of Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia. Sam’s eastern digs enable him to witness the sunrise earlier than any other “professional” groundhog. A Nova Scotia institution since 1987, Shubenacadie Sam shares his February 2nd divinations with several other Canadian groundhogs including Wiarton Willie, Brandon Bob, Balzac Billy and Gary The Groundhog.
Supposedly, Shubenacadie Sam differs from his fellow furry forecasters by making his February 2nd prediction while still hibernating – he’s not woken up to have his shadow measured. That’s all well and good until the prediction ceremony swings into action heralded by a bagpiper and town crier. Just try hibernating through that! Full credit to Andrew Vaughan of The Canadian Press for the sweet image of Shubenacadie Sam above.
Jimmy the Groundhog
Looking for a Jimmy who makes predictions? Well forget Jimmy the Greek, you want Jimmy the Groundhog! The pride of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin is traditionally delivered via limousine to Cannery Square Plaza across from Sun Prairie’s City Hall on the morning of February 2nd, escorted by the Sun Prairie Fire Department.

