11 Montana Animals That Should Be Famous for Predicting Weather

Punxsutawney Phil has made his annual prediction and this year, he says we'll have an early spring.

Sorry, Phil. This might be the year that Montana needs its own prognosticating weather animal. Montana is already having early spring-like conditions. Not only do we need it, but it seems likely we'll have six more weeks of winter because Montana doesn't feel like we've had six weeks of winter yet.

So let us offer these fine candidates for consideration for Montana's official weather animal.

Bison - Bigfork Bill

The majestic gentleman, he withstands the harshness of winter and the the blistering heat of summer. He would make a noble weather prognosticator.

Bear - Butte Bernard

Bernard could take advantage of his hibernation skills to accurately predict the weather.

Deer - Deer Lodge Dave

Don't you think the deer in Montana need a job?  Deer Lodge Dave for your consideration.

Wolverine - Wibaux Willy

Don't let his meek appearance above fool you. Wibaux Willy is as tough as any Montanan there is. He'd give a no-nonsense weather report.

Trout - Twodot Terry

Don't rule out Twodot Terry just because he's a fish.

Fox - Fromberg Fred

Despite his reputation, Fromberg Fred wants you to know he cares about fair and accurate weather reporting and his record is much better than Punxsutawney Phil's.

Raccoon - Roundup Rocko

He's scrappy, he's happy, he'll predict the weather and eat your garbage at the same time.

Bobcat - Bozeman Bruce

Perhaps not as loveable as Wibaux Willy, Bozeman Bruce has a lawyer vibe. If he wasn't selected for weather prognostication, he'd certainly find a position in the Animal Cabinet quickly.

Mountain Goat - Missoula Mick

He'll be a fine prognosticator if Missoula Mick doesn't eat the proclamation.

Badger - Bitterrott Bob

In honor of the gentleman who reminded us that Badgers are "the original weasel" and are the weather-predicting animals in Germany, we named Montana's weather-predicting Badger after him.

Gopher - Great Falls Gus

Gus has a large, underground network of weather specialists he can rely on for his annual report.

BONUS: Florence the Bitterroot Skunk, Harbinger of Spring

Let's not forget the original weather prognosticator, Florence the Bitterroot Skunk, Harbinger of Spring. A listener reminded us of this ol' gal, who may be in retirement now. There was also a shout-out to Raphael Fernando DeSoto Feinberg. If you know you know.