Early spring coming to southern Manitoba, weather-predicting puppet says

A plush groundhog puppet with a knack for seeing into the future says we don't have to worry about winter overstaying its welcome this year in southern Manitoba.

Manitoba Merv took a peek around Oak Hammock Marsh early Tuesday and didn't see his shadow.

"While his track record is almost impeccable for the past 22 years, an erroneous prediction twoyears agomade some people doubt his forecasting ability," Oak Hammock Marsh said in a statement."He had announced that an early spring was on its way, but winter seemed to last forever."

Somewhat conveniently, Merv'sweathercastsquares with Environment Canada'ssophisticated, science-based estimations for the south. Somewhat predictably, other high-profile woodchucks and groundhogs in other parts of Canada have given conflicting reports of what's in store this spring.

• Environment Canada predicts early spring for Winnipeg
• Woodchuck Winnipeg Willow dies days ahead of Groundhog Day

On a solemn note, Winnipeg Willow, one of Manitoba's other four-legged weather prognosticators, passed away just days before Groundhog Day at the mature age of five.

Willow was surrounded by friends and family at the Prairie Wildlife Rehabilitation CentreFriday when she crossed over to woodchuck heaven.

• Beloved weather predicting woodchuck dies days before Groundhog Day
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CBC Manitoba meteorologist John Sauder cast a little shade on the tradition before Merveven had a chance to not see his shadow.

"Just for the record:I trust the science of weather prediction a little more than the hairy rodent who either gets freaked out by his shadowor not,"Saudersaid.

Groundhog Day is not a North American invention.

It'sbelievedthe holiday originated in medieval Europe, rooted in the Christian festival of Candlemas, and that hedgehogs were the soothsaying rodents of choice.