Dunkirk Dave emerges for some pumpkin pie Thursday morning. Dave didn’t see his shadow Thursdsay morning, handler Bob Will said. Photo by M.J. Stafford

Dunkirk’s favorite rodent is calling for early spring weather.

Dunkirk Dave the groundhog didn’t see his shadow Thursdsay morning, according to handler Bob Will.

About 35 people, including a few Buffalo media, gathered at 7:30 a.m. to visit Dave’s lair on Farmlane Road off Route 5 in the town of Dunkirk. Decent weather for early February — little wind, partly sunny skies — greeted them. It was in the low 20s, though, so spring still seemed far away.

Dave seemed a little nervous when he was first brought outside and presented with a pumpkin pie. Will said groundhogs love pumpkin pies.

However, he soon settled into his pie as his adorers cooed, “He’s so cute!”

Selfies abounded as Dunkirk Dave fans of all ages stood in a semicircle around his little cabin.

Will then said Dave was pronouncing an early spring. Cheers rang out. Someone shouted, “Thank you, Dunkirk Dave!”

Will spoke briefly with the Dave groupies, at least one of whom drove up from Cleveland. He noted that the oldest groundhog he has ever had, lived to be 23.

A couple politicians got in on the act. State Sen. George Borrello and U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy sent representatives to offer Dave and Will certificates of appreciation.

The event marked Dunkirk Dave’s first public appearance since 2020. Will shut down his public prognostication in 2021-22 over COVID-19 concerns.

Dunkirk Dave’s pronouncement Thursday morning was opposed by his more famous cousin, Punxsutawney Phil. The Pennsylvanian rodent saw his shadow, meaning six more weeks of winter are supposed to be ahead.