BACKGROUNDER: Web resources for a story in the news
Date: Feb. 2, 2006
By: Chryssa McAlister
Story: Globe and Mail
Wiarton Willie, Canada’s well-known furry forecaster predicted an early end to winter today when he failed to see his shadow in a central Ontario town. Shubenacadie Sam, Willie’s Nova Scotia counterpart also predicted an early spring. But Punxsutwaney Phil of Pennsylvania predicted otherwise when he saw his shadow. According to legend, if a groundhog sees his shadow on Feb. 2, he will return to his burrow and herald six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t, we should expect an early spring.
Site: THE OFFICIAL SITE OF PUNXSUTAWNEY GROUNDHOG CLUB
Through this website, supported by the Punxsutawney Chamber of Commerce, you can start a club chapter, become a member, and read Punxsutawney groundhog facts. The site is up-to-date on yearly predictions. Like true Groundhog believers, they claim Punxsutawney Phil is the ONLY true winter predictor. They also claim the same groundhog has made predictions for over 120 years. The club features 12 ‘inner-circle dignitaries’ with official titles ranging from Fog Spinner to Storm Chaser.
Site: NATIONAL CLIMACTIC DATA CENTRE
This U.S. Department of Commerce website reviews the history of Groundhog day but also provides statistics on how accurate Punxsutawney Phil is at predicted the winter. The site links to groundhog websites around the world and includes a photo gallery.
Site: WIKIPEDIA
Candlemas is the Christian feast celebrating the purification of the Virgin Mary. Many believe Groundhog Day originates from this celebration since it also falls on Feb. 2. Wikipedia describes the history of Candlemas along with its traditions and superstitions. Candlemas is the day bears arise from hibernation and if they return to their lairs it predicts bad weather. In the British Isles good weather on Feb 2. predicts a long winter. In Canada and the U.S. it evolved into Groundhog Day.
Site: THE TRUTH ABOUT GROUNDHOG DAY
A science professor at Pennsylvania State University explains the biological reason groundhogs exit their burrows. The website also lists neat groundhog facts including the folklore-defying stat: the lifespan of a groundhog is 5 years. It turns out the male woodchucks come out of hibernation to “spend the night” with a female who will likely mate later on in the spring. The Groundhog then returns to his burrow to sleep until mating season. The discovery is unusual since no other animal is known to display similar behaviour.
Site: THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
The U.S. Humane Society website publishes articles on groundhog pests. The rodents are considered a nuisance in many states since they burrow in backyards. This website offers humane non-lethal options for ridding your yard of groundhogs including fencing, harassment and behaviour-modification techniques, reminding readers that the animals play an important role in our ecosystem. They provide a link to vendors of non-lethal harassment products.