Long Island's Groundhogs Disagree On 6 More Weeks Of Winter

LONG ISLAND, NY — Long Island's resident groundhogs disagree this year, again.

Brookhaven Town's tiny charge, Holtsville Hal, who lives at the Holtsville Ecology Site and Animal Preserve in Suffolk County, saw his shadow when he awoke Sunday morning, indicating there will be six more weeks of winter, according to his handlers.

But further west up-island, Malverne Mel, who lives at Crossroads at Grossmann's in Nassau County, did not see his shadow, indicating an early spring is on the way, according to a Facebook by Village of Malverne officials.

Only time will tell.

The furry little guys were greeted by eager crowds with much fanfare on Thursday at their respective homes.

Reading from Hal’s official prognostication before a crowd in Holtsville at around 7:25 a.m., Brookhaven Highways Supt. Dan Losquadro said, "On this brisk winter day, I have recorded my prediction and am sorry to say, at sunrise this morning I was startled to see, a shadow in the shape of … none other than me."

"I scurried back inside to return to my nap, not before reminding you to hold onto your mittens and cap," he said. "Spring will have to wait, Mother Nature is not through; six more weeks of winter you can look forward to!”

A disappointed Losquadro bemoaned that he is always hopeful Hal will not see his shadow and maybe catch a break on the budget for snow removal, which is one of the largest on the island.

“However, if Hal’s prediction proves to be correct, the Brookhaven Highway Department remains ready to handle whatever Mother Nature decides to send our way,” he added.

The announcement was marked with music from WBLI and WALK, as well as food and refreshments from 7-Eleven and Bagel Lovers. Hal's neighbors were also available for viewing.

In a Facebook post, Nassau Bill Gaylor said he was happy to celebrate Malverne Mel's prognostication.

"We all do love Malverne Mel and the cheerful tradition that he has brought this town," he wrote.

Till next year, folks.