For Snerd the groundhog, it’s simple: Why watch for his shadow — an unscientific meteorological method that can be, well, shady — when he can watch The Weather Channel instead?
It’s not that Snerd, the state’s only official weather-predicting groundhog, doesn’t believe in shadow-inspired meteorology. He just prefers science to folklore, basing his annual forecast on data from The Weather Channel and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
“We have a modern-day groundhog,” explains Kindra Mammone, the executive director of CLAWS, Inc., the Chapel Hill wildlife center that Snerd calls home.
Snerd, a 10-year-old domesticated, banana-loving groundhog, is brought out to greet the crowd at Garner’s annual Groundhog Day Celebration. By now, Snerd has already checked his sources and is ready to reveal his findings. Mammone holds him up to her ear, and Snerd “whispers” his prediction, which she relays to the audience. According to Mammone, Snerd and his predecessor, Mortimer, have predicted whether there will be an early spring or six more weeks of winter with 85-percent accuracy.
In addition to Snerd’s prediction, the Garner event includes photo ops with the furry forecaster, an up-close look at raptors from CLAWS, Inc., educational booths, a visit from Smokey Bear, and story time for kids.
The main attraction, however, is Snerd, who sometimes wears a tuxedo for his moment in the spotlight. But when that spotlight comes on, don’t expect him to look for his shadow.
Groundhog Day Celebration — February 2
White Deer Park
2400 Aversboro Road
Garner, NC 27529
(919) 773-4442
North Carolina is known for many things, but nothing more important this week than the qualities of endurance, resilience, and hope.
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