Ground Hog Day Dispute

Groundhog Day

So, yesterday was Ground Hog Day and while Punxsutawney Phil predicted a longer winter, Stanton Island Chuck was crabby–even biting the Mayor who didn’t have much animal sense–and his prediction?

Spring is on the way.

This is in direct conflict with the predictions of Punxsutawney Phil and Connecticut Chuck.

Oy!

Over here it is springlike and a snow storm is predicted to hit this weekend. Although we get most of our snow in late February and March, it has been unseasonably warm.

I see buds in the yard and most of the snow is melted–so I am waiting to see which of these critters is right.

If you want to see my Ground Hog Day commentary from yesterday click here.

Staton Island Chuck is just one of the competitors to Punxsutawney Phil and he takes his job seriously.

Below is the video of him in training.

Groundhog Staten Island Chuck vs. the Shadow

You can also read more about the history of this event and about Connecticut Chuck (or Chuckles in this case since Molly is number seven in a long line of such public servants–watch the video) in Blessing of the Animals: A Guide to Prayers & Ceremonies Celebrating Pets & Other Creatures.

Then of course there is the hunter’s version of Ground Hog Day...