Published on Mar. 11, 2026, 1:42 PM
This iteration of Willie was appointed in 2023.
Wiarton Willie, Ontario’s most famous groundhog, has died. Again.
This iteration of Willie had been leading Groundhog Day festivities for three years.
The Town of South Bruce Peninsula made the sad announcement on Tuesday.
“It is with great sadness that the Town of South Bruce Peninsula announces that our beloved weather prognosticator, Wiarton Willie, has passed away peacefully in sleep,” the town says in a statement.
“Willie was a curious and charismatic groundhog who delighted both residents and visitors. Willie enjoyed basking in the summer sun, taking long winter naps, and indulging in favourite foods.”
Willie was one of three groundhogs who predicted an early spring this year.
