Groundhog Day 2023: Will Shubenacadie Sam predict an early spring or six more weeks of winter?

Nova Scotians can celebrate Groundhog Day with Shubenacadie Sam in person or virtually for the groundhog's annual forecast from Shubenacadie Wildlife Park on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023.

Park officials expect Sam to emerge at 8:00 a.m. and look for her shadow. People may attend the event in person or watch it livestreamed on the park's Facebook page.

In a release, Natural Resources and Renewables Minister Tory Rushton said, "This is a bit of annual mid-winter fun for everyone to enjoy the old folklore tradition by coming out in person to see the groundhog appear or by watching online. Sam is one example of the many interesting animals native to Nova Scotia that families can enjoy and learn about at our provincial wildlife park."

Tradition says that if Sam sees a shadow, we can anticipate six more weeks of winter weather.

No shadow means spring will come early.

Shubenacadie Wildlife Park is open from 7:30 a.m. to noon on Feb. 2, 2023.

Shubenacadie Sam on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShubenacadieWildlifePark
Shubenacadie Sam on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShubenacadieSam