It was a somber Groundhog Day in Canada, as Fred la marmotte – the beloved groundhog who predicted the weather – was found dead hours before he could take part in his annual tradition.
The Groundhog Day event in Val-d’Espoir, Quebec in eastern Canada began Thursday morning with music and dancing, but as it came closer for Fred to make his weather prediction, event organizers told the crowd of the groundhog’s death.
“In life, the only thing that’s certain is that nothing is certain,” said event organizer Roberto Blondin. “Well, this year it’s true. It’s true and it’s unfortunate. I announce to you the death of Fred.”
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How did Fred la marmotte die?
Blondin said he had attempted to wake up Fred from hibernation overnight to get him ready for the festival, but there were “no vital signs” present.
Typically, Fred would be moved for his enclosed barn to a log cabin that would be heated, which would wake him, according to the Montreal Gazette.
Blondin believes Fred died in hibernation late last year.
Fred was 9-years-old, organizers said, living far longer than the average life expectancy of three years, according to Terminix.
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Groundhog Day festivities continue
Despite the death of Fred, the Groundhog Day festivities went on in Val-d’Espoir, as Blondin said Fred would have wished for a child to take his place in predicting the weather.
Like the famous Punxsutawney Phil, Fred would look to see his shadow. If there was a shadow, spring would be delayed. If there was no shadow, spring would be early.
In Fred’s place, a child with a groundhog hat was called up on the stage and was handed a toy groundhog. The child declared the shadow could be seen, so this year will have a delayed spring.
Organizers said a new groundhog will be present to continue the tradition.
In the US, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow for the third straight year, meaning the nation will have a longer winter.
Follow Jordan Mendoza on Twitter: @jordan_mendoza5.
