Fred the Ground Hog has passed away

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Not sure if this has been posted

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Didn't see it posted runamok





It was a somber Groundhog Day in Canada, as Fred la marmotte – the beloved groundhog who predicted weather – was found dead hours before he could take part in his annual tradition.

The Groundhog Day event in Val-d'Espoir, Quebec in eastern Canada began Thursday morning with music and dancing, but as it came closer for Fred to make his weather prediction, event organizers told the crowd of the groundhog's death.

"In life, the only thing that's certain is that nothing is certain," said event organizer Roberto Blondin. "Well, this year it's true. It's true and it's unfortunate. I announce to you the death of Fred."
londin said he had attempted to wake up Fred from hibernation overnight to get him ready for the festival, but there were "no vital signs" present.
Typically, Fred would be moved for his enclosed barn to a log cabin that would be heated, which would wake him, according to the Montreal Gazette.

Blondin believes Fred died in hibernation late last year.

Fred was 9-years-old, organizers said, living far longer than the average life expectancy of three years,

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La Jour de Fred event continued without him though, as Blondin handed a stuffed toy version of the rodent to a child standing in sunlight to complete the annual tradition.

A shadow was cast, and the forecast was announced : "spring is delayed."