Long Island Town Cancels Live Groundhog Day Event, Announces Prediction Online

HOLTSVILLE, NY — For the first time in many years, Brookhaven Town's resident groundhog, "Holtsville Hal," didn't make his traditional appearance, announcing his prognostication on this year's winter weather on Sunday as part of Groundhog Day.

"Hal" is usually the center of attention every Feb. 2 at the town's Holtsville Ecology Site and Animal Preserve, but this year the live event was canceled days ahead, with a note for Facebook followers to check back for his prognostication.

His prediction of six more weeks of winter was revealed by Highways Superintendent Daniel Losquadro in the form of a poem that was posted to the social media platform on Sunday morning.

Losquadro said "Long Island's most famous weatherman," enjoyed a long winter's nap and felt rested.

"The day has arrived; the pressure is on: Six more weeks of cold, or will winter be gone?" Losquadro said. "I take my job very seriously. You see, no one is more invested in this prognostication than me, and so without further ado, I will tell you what happened this morning at the zoo."

"Hal" stepped out of his burrow just as the sun began to rise, and got "a surprise" as "a shadow quite big" hovered over him and he then "scurried back" inside his burrow where he started to dig, Losquadro said.

"Sorry, folks, grab those winter coats and those hats — we'll need them for a little while longer," he said. "Have a great day and stay warm."

It was not immediately clear why the event was canceled.

News of the cancellation comes on the heels of criticism in recent months by animal rights advocates, as well as allegations that the site's animals, including "Honey" the Black Bear, have been mistreated over the years.

State Department of Environmental Conservation investigators are following up on the allegations, a spokesman said.

Patch has reached out to the town for comment.

Humane Long Island, whose members protested outside the facility on Sunday, applauded the town's decision in a post on Facebook.

The group said its members are thrilled Brookhaven decided not to "exploit a live groundhog for this year's festivities" after an "outcry from former employees and the public."

"Our campaign to save the animals at Holtsville Ecology Site continues as we urge Brookhaven to take the next step by retiring 'Holtsville Hal' and all of his friends to reputable sanctuaries where they can live more natural lives," the group's post read.