Groundhog Day 2013

Today the nation celebrates ground hog day to see if we will be getting another few weeks of cold weather or enter into spring.

   Our very own Matt Madigan takes us to the nature center and has our official prediction.

Families and community members across the Concho Valley gathered at San Angelo's nature center this morning to celebrate Groundhog Day, west Texas style. There was plenty to see and do as the kids made crafts, checked out some exotic reptiles, and even pet a snake.

We had a chance to sit down with Kat Bunker, the center's naturalist, to find out how west Texas puts a twist on Groundhog Day.

"Well, we just don't have groundhogs here in Texas, but we've got prairie dogs everywhere. And you either love them, or you don't like them. We're trying to cast a positive light on prairie dogs by having this event, which, it's really putting a good spin on what they do for Texas."

So on the second day of every February, by which point most of the country has suffered through several weeks of frigid winds and freezing nights, a rodent and their shadow are all that stands between us and the warming relief of spring.

"If a groundhog sees his shadow it's 6 more weeks of winter. So, during today's event, we will be taking out Emmy, our beloved prairie dog, and she's going to see her shadow, hopefully, if we want it to stay cool. It's going to be an awesome experience. This is our second time doing this."

As the crowd worked its way toward the stage to find out this winter's fate, Allison Hinton, a volunteer at the nature center, had a few reservations prior to Emmy's unveiling.

"I am very excited. Also, very nervous because i am very close to our prairie dog, and she's practically a little furry daughter. So, I'm just hoping everything goes well."

With the sun shining brightly through a few clouds draped across the sky, Emmy the black tailed prairie dog was summoned by the master of ceremonies to determine our weather for the next several weeks. After conferring briefly with Michael Price, the nature center's director, I was called on to relay her forecast to the crowd.

"Many a shadow do I see! Six more weeks of winter, there must be! **boooooo**"

In the end, this all may be good news after all. Despite a cold finish to December and a chilly start to January, this winter, like many west Texas winters hasn't had the same bite the northern states have had to endure. If Emmy is forecasting more temperatures in the 60's and 70's, who are we to argue with that.