Local Groundhogs Make Different Predictions About Winter’s End

Allen McButterpants has a stretch before his debut as a prognosticator on Groundhog Day at the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center. Allen did not see his shadow and predicted an early spring. DANA SHAW

Allen McButterpants makes his debut as a prognosticator on Groundhog Day at the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center. Allen did not see his shadow and predicted an early spring. DANA SHAW

Groundhog Day festivities at the Quogue Library on Thursday afternoon. DANA SHAW

Groundhog Day festivities at the Quogue Library on Thursday afternoon. DANA SHAW

Allen McButterpants, along with handler Tammy Flanell, makes his debut as a prognosticator on Groundhog Day at the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center. Allen did not see his shadow and predicted an early spring. DANA SHAW

Allen McButterpants, along with handler Tammy Flanell, makes his debut as a prognosticator on Groundhog Day at the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center. Allen did not see his shadow and predicted an early spring. DANA SHAW

Allen McButterpants, along with handler Tammy Flanell, makes his debut as a prognosticator on Groundhog Day at the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center. Allen did not see his shadow and predicted an early spring. DANA SHAW

Master of Ceremonies Tim Walkman with Sam's prediction at the Groundhog Day festivities at the Quogue Library on Thursday afternoon. DANA SHAW

Master of Ceremonies Tim Walkman, with Quogue Village Mayor Robert Treuhold and Barbara Sartorious at the Groundhog Day festivities at the Quogue Library on Thursday afternoon. DANA SHAW

Master of Ceremonies Tim Walkman announces groundhog Sam Champions prediction at Groundhog Day festivities at the Quogue Library on Thursday afternoon. Sam predicted six more weeks of winter. DANA SHAW