(Montreal) Fred, the groundhog from Val d’Espoir who predicted the length of winter, has died.
The organizers of the annual event, which is held near Percé, in the Gaspé, announced Thursday morning that the groundhog had not woken up when they went to see it last night.
Roberto Blondin, one of the organizers, said the nine-year-old rodent had no vital signs.
The event took place anyway, and the groundhog was replaced by a child.
There will be a new groundhog next year, assured Mr. Blondin.
Meanwhile, Nova Scotia groundhog Shubenacadie Sam apparently caught sight of its shadow when it emerged from an enclosure north of Halifax.
According to tradition, this means that the winter will be long. When the groundhog does not see its shadow, it is predicted that spring will come soon.
The Ontario groundhog, Wiarton Willie, however, saw things differently. The groundhog predicted an imminent onset of spring, South Bruce Peninsula Mayor Garry Michi announced.
In the United States, Punxsutawney Phil predicted a long winter for the second consecutive year.