‘Cajun Rat’ Doesn’t See Shadow, Predicts Long Spring, Short Summer

Today’s Groundhog Day, in case you weren’t aware. Punxsutawney Phil reportedly didn’t see his shadow this morning. That supposedly means there will be an early spring. We do things a little differently here in south Louisiana.

We have our own everything, music, food, customs, even our own weather forecasting rodent. We have a nutria, named Pierre C. Shadeaux, residing at Zoosiana, the Zoo of Acadiana. Pierre makes a groundhog day prediction of his own. If Pierre sees his shadeaux, it means a short spring, and a long, hot summer. If not, a long spring, short summer.

When Pierre emerged for his annual prediction, after reportedly enjoying a breakfast of Community Coffee and beignets, he did not see his shadow. I doubt that will break the hearts of any in Acadiana, especially my significant other, given that she works outdoors.

[KATC]