Local groundhog stand-in makes wintry prediction

He’s No Punxsutawney Phil, but Downeast Wildlife Rehabilitation Center nutria named Precious saw her shadow on Saturday morning.  The center’s Marti Brinson said she took the 1-year-old nutria out about 8a.m. on Groundhog Day to make his prediction.  Why not use a groundhog?  Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are not found in the Greenville area. Goose Creek State Park Ranger Chris Cabral said the line showing where groundhogs live in North Carolina cuts right through the east.  Groundhogs, members of the marmot family, are not found in Pitt, Beaufort and Lenoir counties, but they may be seen in nearby Martin, Edgecombe and Washington counties.  According to Groundhog Day or, if the groundhog sees his shadow on Feb. 2, there will be six more weeks of winter.

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Precious and the hypodermic nipple             In the sink

Wasn't she a cute baby...

All grown up