Wednesday, February 03, 1999
Groundhogs scarce here, so substitute squirrels
BY EARNEST WINSTON
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Because the last of the Cincinnati Zoo's groundhogs died of old age in 1997, the answer to whether spring is just around the corner may have to be found right in your own back yard.
Some Hamilton County naturalists say bushy tailed squirrels are better predictors than groundhogs anyway.
“If you're using the shadow (as the indicator of a longer winter), the squirrel would be a better choice because it's already active during the winter, and you don't have to wake it up and pull it out (of) its burrow,” said Amy Roell, a naturalist for the Hamilton County Park District.
For traditionalists, Punxsutawney Phil, nationally recognized groundhog from Pennsylvania, predicted that spring is near because he didn't see his shadow Tuesday.
Legend has it that using a groundhog's sighting of his shadow to predict spring's arrival is a European tradition that evolved into an American one.
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