In Alberta we have Balzac Billy, which is quite literally, a critter in disguise. Groundhogs are plentiful in most parts of Canada and the U.S., but they aren’t found in southern Alberta, Global News explains, and that is precisely where the community of Balzac is located.
What is Alberta’s groundhog called?
Balzac Billy
See, Alberta’s groundhog, Balzac Billy, is more mascot than anything. In fact, it’s a man dressed in a groundhog costume who also goes by the moniker ‘the Prairie Prognosticator’.
Did the Alberta groundhog see his shadow 2022?
Groundhog Day 2022: Balzac Billy sees his shadow
Prairie prognosticator Balzac Billy saw his shadow on Groundhog Day 2022, predicting six more weeks of winter. Albertans will see six more weeks of winter if prairie prognosticator Balzac Billy is to be believed.
Does Canada have its own groundhog?
Shubenacadie Sam is one of the most famous Canadian groundhogs. It should be noted that Shubenacadie Sam is not a singular groundhog, rather there have been four groundhogs that have served as Shubenacadie Sam since the inception of the furry forecaster in 1987 at Shubenacadie Wildlife Park.
Does every province have a groundhog?
Range. The woodchuck occurs in every province and territory, except for Prince Edward Island and the island part of Newfoundland.
Do woodchucks live in Alberta?
In reality, all Alberta groundhogs (woodchucks) are still fast asleep in their underground burrows in February. Woodchucks spend most of their lives in a state of torpor (early in the fall and late in the spring) and (during the winter) true hibernation.
Where do woodchucks live in Alberta?
About woodchucks. In developed areas, woodchuck burrows are commonly located near open fields, along fence rows, roadsides, near building foundations or the bases of trees. A woodchuck burrow can be distinguished by a large mound of excavated earth at the main entrance, which is usually about 25 to 30 cm in diameter.
What is the prediction for Groundhog Day 2022?
Punxsutawney Phil: Six more weeks of winter
We are on a roll! Phil, who is by far the most famous groundhog, also predicted six more weeks of winter. Looks like we better keep those mittens handy!
What did the Canadian groundhog say for 2022?
Groundhog Day 2022: Ontario’s Wiarton Willie predicts early spring, Nova Scotia predicts long winter.
What time will the groundhog come out 2022?
approximately 6:30 a.m.
Groundhog Day 2022 will be celebrated at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, at approximately 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 2. That’s when Punxsutawney Phil is anticipated to leave his burrow and look for his shadow for the 136th time, according to groundhog.org/.
What is the Canadian version of Punxsutawney Phil?
Wiarton Willie
Wiarton Willie is the name given to a Canadian groundhog who lives in the community of Wiarton in Bruce County, Ontario. Every February 2, on Groundhog Day, Willie takes part in the local Wiarton Willie Festival. His role is to predict whether there will be an early spring.
What is the name of the Canadian groundhog?
Wiarton Willie
Wiarton, Ontario is home to Wiarton Willie, the star of an annual local Groundhog Day festival bearing his name.
Did the groundhog come out 2022 Canada?
Groundhog Day in Canada focuses on the concept of a groundhog coming out of its home in mid-winter to “predict” if spring is on its way in the northern hemisphere.
Quick Facts.
| This year: | Wed, Feb 2, 2022 |
|---|---|
| Next year: | Thu, Feb 2, 2023 |
| Last year: | Tue, Feb 2, 2021 |
| Type: | Observance |
Where is the groundhog capital of the world?
Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
In the Midwest, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, is the self-proclaimed “Groundhog Capital of the World”.
Can I pick up a wild groundhog?
Groundhogs Are Wild Rodents
Here are a few examples: In California, state fish and game law bans the possession of any rodents except golden hamsters, mice, rats, and domestic guinea pigs. Much like ferrets, groundhogs are a no-go.
Is Punxsutawney Phil a real groundhog?
Punxsutawney Phil is the name given to a groundhog residing in Young Township near Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, who is the central figure in the borough’s annual Groundhog Day celebration.
Are there groundhogs in Calgary?
Balzac Billy is the “Prairie Prognosticator”, a man-sized groundhog mascot who prognosticates weather on Groundhog Day. He lives in Balzac, Alberta, 8 km north of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Are there gophers in Alberta?
Pocket gophers, commonly called moles, are a problem in pastures and hayland throughout much of Alberta. They also eat garden crops and kill woody plants and shrubs by feeding on the roots. Pocket gophers tend to feed above ground in late spring and early summer, when stems and leaves are most nutritious.
What’s the difference between a woodchuck and a groundhog?
There is no difference between a groundhog and a woodchuck. In fact, the terms woodchuck and groundhog are interchangeable.
Should I get rid of the groundhog in my yard?
Are There Benefits to Groundhogs? Before deciding to get rid of groundhogs, understand that unless they’re causing a problem, they should be left alone. Groundhogs play an important role in our ecological system. Their abandoned burrows can become homes for other wildlife, such as foxes, skunks, and rabbits.
What animal is similar to a groundhog?
Marmots (Marmota monax) belong to a group of animals called ground squirrels which consists of groundhogs (a.k.a. woodchucks; Marmota monax), rock squirrels (Otospermophilus variegatus), and more than 10 other different species.