Six more weeks of winter says Shubenacadie Sam

Shubenacadie Sam, the province's furriest forecaster, emerged from his lair early Saturday morning, only to go right back in. 

According to folklore, this means six more weeks of winter. 

“He was pretty reluctant to come out, it's pretty cold,” said Tabitha Cox, head nature interpreter at the Wildlife Park in Shubenacadie.  

A large group looked on as Sam emerged for a few short seconds, and then retreated.

While he didn't make it far enough into his enclosure to see his shadow, Cox says the sun was shining bright enough that had he gone a few more inches, he would've seen it. 

“I think it's going to be cold for awhile yet,” said Jennifer and R.J. Dilmon, who went with their kids to witness Sam's prediction. 

“We're farmers so we're always talking about the weather, we're always wanting spring to come,” they said. 

“He's about as reliable as the weather forecast so hey, I'll take his opinion.” 

This was Sam's 31st annual spring prediction, and Cox says it's something the park gets very excited about each year. 

This year, Shubenacadie Sam merchandise will be available for purchase, including stuffed Sam's and t-shirts. The park will have free admission until noon. 

While Sam's predictions don't always come true, Cox says this isn't his fault: it's the weather's. 

“Sam is always right. the weather can be wrong,” she said.  

Lucy the Lobster, Nova Scotia's other pet prognosticator, agreed with Sam's prediction this year. This is the lobster's second year making spring predictions. 

Other groundhogs have yet to make their predictions today, including Ontario's Wiarton Willie and Cape Breton's Two Rivers Tunnel.

South of the border, Pennsylvania's Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow, meaning an early spring.