Keep the snow boots and shovels handy, says Van Isle Violet for Groundhog Day

Vancouver Island’s own weather-mammal was roused from sleep early this morning to let us know if we’re in for six more weeks of winter.

And Van Isle Violet says we are.

Violet is a marmot at Mount Washington’s Marmot Recovery Centre, who has been hibernating along with her pups. This is her fourth year as the Island’s own weather prognosticator, but she has been 100 per cent right in her predictions since taking on the role in 2022.

All three years she predicted longer winters, and was proven correct each time, with snow and ski seasons extended into late March.

After making her prediction she was tucked back into her box to go back to sleep.

For a video and more information about her prediction, visit the Marmot Recovery Foundation on Facebook.