Winter hasn't been the harshest so far, and if Fred, the groundhog from Val-d'Espoir in the Gaspésie, is to be believed, it's not likely to last long either.

As is the case every February 2nd, Fred and a few of his companions came out of their burrows to make their prediction about the arrival of spring.

Fred, Wiarton Willie, the albino groundhog from Ontario, Sam from Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia, Woodstock Willie from Chicago and the famous Phil, from Punxsutawney in the USA are unanimous: spring will be early this year.

If the furry beast emerges from hibernation without seeing its shadow, it's a sign of an early spring. On the other hand, if the rodent can see its shadow, winter is still six weeks away.

This tradition began in 1887 in Pennsylvania, USA, with the adorable rodent Phil. In Canada, groundhogs with the gift of prediction began to appear everywhere. Some ten communities in Canada are now participating.

Last year, Fred was found lifeless, shortly before making his long-awaited prediction. A child had predicted that winter would be longer. This year, the tradition continued with a new groundhog.