Americans hoping for a clear forecast for when this winter will end were disappointed Saturday as famed groundhogs offered conflicting predictions.

ADVERTISEMENT

When two of the more well-known groundhogs emerged from their abodes on schedule Groundhog Day, one of the furry creatures saw its shadow while the other did not catch a glimpse of its silhouette, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution said.

Legend says that if a groundhog emerges from its home on Feb. 2 and sees its shadow, there would be six additional weeks of winter to dread.

Yet if the rodent fails to see its shadow, then hope for an early spring remains alive.

General Beauregard Lee offered such hope in Lilburn. Ga., where the groundhog failed to see its shadow and predicted an early spring. Yet its prediction was countered in Pennsylvania, where Punxsutawney Phil saw its shadow and increased fears of a lengthy winter.

Meanwhile, the National Post said Lee's call for an early spring was supported by six other top groundhogs across North America, including Canada's notable entries of Shubnedacadie Sam and Balzac Billy.