Every February 2nd, Manitobans anxiously wait to witness the moment that defines their seasonal hopes: Manitoba Merv’s big reveal. This year was no different as he emerged from his burrow at Oak Hammock Marsh, greeted by eager faces and hopeful hearts.
With a little wiggle and a curious glance, Merv announced an early spring by not seeing his shadow. Traditional folklore suggests we can expect warmer days ahead, which is music to everyone’s ears in this chilly province.
According to the Weather Network’s website, Manitoba’s Groundhog Day mascot has had an impressive success rate of 73 percent since 2000, the highest among Canadian groundhogs.
However, according to Oak Hammock biologists, the best way to find out if we have an early spring is to look for the arrival of the first Canada geese. Recording the spring arrival of the first Canada goose seen at Oak Hammock Marsh is another favoured annual tradition at the Marsh.
The Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre is currently undergoing renovations and plans to reopen in the spring. At that time, Manitoba Merv will have his own exhibit that will expand on the topic of hibernation.
