‘Penelope’ might live in Phil’s shadow

The Eye’s “Cute-as-a-Button” award this week goes to the Poudre River Trail Board, a group that on Feb. 2 unveiled “Penelope la Poudre” to represent the pathway group as its official mascot.

It’s no accident that Penelope first saw the light of day on Ground Hog Day. After all, she is billed as a competitor to Punxutawney Phil, the too-famous Pennsylvania rodent that lets us know annually if we’re going to be dumped on for six more weeks.

The differences, though, are apparent, according to Poudre River Trail Board president Mike Ketterling.

Penelope, he says, “never hibernates later than Feb. 2 and seems indifferent to shadows.” Instead, she “exercises year-round on the northern Colorado trail along the Poudre River,” according to the group’s introduction.

“She’s out there having fun no matter what the weather,” board member Mike Frick said.

Penelope even comes with a complete taxonomy and description (scientific name: Cacheus Poudreus).

She is described as “an aquatic, fresh-water mammal, energetic, friendly, curious.”

But here’s a problem: At 21/2 inches to 6 inches tall, the Eye suggests she’s a bit short for a mascot. And at four to eight ounces, she’s a little light.

As a matter of fact, Penelope ought to beef up a little, if she can, lest she be overlooked or, worse, relegated to living in Phil’s shadow.

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