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SHUBENACADIE, N.S. —

Wintry weather will be around for another six weeks, according to Shubenacadie Sam.

Although the usual crowd didn't gather Sunday to watch him, with the park closed because a winter storm had been forecast, the famous resident of the Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park checked things out at 8 a.m. and made his annual prediction. The weather had cleared and shadows could be seen.

According to tradition, if Sam sees his shadow and goes back inside his shelter, winter will last for another six weeks. If he doesn’t see his shadow, spring will come early.

Most groundhogs are hibernating at this time of year, but Sam is kept in an indoor enclosure, so he was awake and ready for his big day. His caretaker, Tracy Nicholas, said Sam was doing well as the day approached, although he could be cranky in the mornings.

Due to the time zone, Sam is the first groundhog in North America to make a prediction each year.

Candlemas is also Feb. 2 and the Groundhog Day beliefs come from the old rhyme:

If Candlemas Day be fair and bright

Winter will have another fight.

If Candlemas Day brings cloud and rain,

Winter will not come again.