new iberia louisiana: Groundhog Day in Louisiana is a Contrast to Groundhog Day in the northern U.S. - 02/01/11 12:33 PM
Almost everyone has heard of Punxsutawney Phil, but how many of you have heard of Pierre Shadeaux or T-Boy?  Pierre Shadeaux and T-Boy are nutria from the bayou and swamps of Louisiana.
 

 
Groundhogs are native to North America, with a range that extends south to northern Alabama.  So if you live in the coastal south of Louisiana, just how are you supposed to predict the end of winter, or in Louisiana the beginning of summer?  They picked the nutria, like the family pictured here, rodents who populated the swamplands when brought from South America as future fur coats.  … (3 comments)