Contact:  Catherine Bennett, agent for Mel & Rose
For immediate release:   February 2, 1999
800-711-4620 or 804-435-0321

    Lancaster, Virginia -- Melrose Plantation's weather forecasting groundhogs "Mel" and "Rose" today united in their prediction that spring will arrive early in Southern states.  The weather in Lancaster, Virginia where the two call home is rainy and overcast, preventing them from seeing their shadows and being frightened back into their intermittent hibernation.

    As they bobbed up and down on their way back to their dens located throughout the hay fields at the Lancaster County historic landmark, Mel and Rose denied vicious competition with their famous rival, Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania Phil.  "We wish Phil the very best of luck in his prediction this year," the two announced in a prepared statement to the media. "But we don't know why that pretentious Pocono predictor thinks he can possibly comment about any weather below the Mason-Dixon line," the pair was heard to grumble as they stuck their heads in the dirt and disappeared.  A concluding remark of "Reconstructionist" was thought by some bystanders to have been heard coming from the burrow, but is unconfirmed.

    Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are burrowing rodents related to European hedgehogs and Texas Prairie Dogs.  Having grizzled grey-brown fur, tiny ears, and a tail that looks like a bottle cleaner, the groundhog's short legs have sharp clawed monkey like paws.  An elaborate network of tunnels under the fields provides housing and a safe, covered transportation system to deliver them to dine on the hay and grasses that are grown at the plantation.  When caught away from their holes, the groundhog uses its long, pointed, dangerous teeth to attack predators, including the plantation dog, Winnie. When in trouble, groundhogs make loud clicking and hissing noises.

    "Aside from damaging crops we want to bale or let the sheep eat, and creating enormous, camouflaged mounds and pot holes in the fields, or undermining buildings, groundhogs are peaceful, charming little critters to have around," said Catherine Bennett, who owns Melrose with her husband Robert.   Mr. Bennett, who has nearly broken teeth and farm equipment axles through unexpected interaction into the above described groundhog holes and dirt mounds, refused comment. Winnie Bennett, an Old English Sheepdog (OES) who joined the plantation staff last spring after a stint in the Maryland/Virginia OES rescue organization, said she expects a busy season of tracking and chasing groundhogs this spring.

    For more information about activities of all the fun loving critters at Melrose Plantation, visit www.melroseplantation.com.