FOX 21 News, KQDS-DT

DULUTH - There's no arguing that Mother Nature is playing some serious mind games with us this winter.  Ski resorts are working overtime to make a whole lot of fake snow, while others are actually seeing a boost from this crazy weather.  But that doesn't go without a bit of confusion, even for the animals, as FOX 21's Dan Hanger reports.

There was a little something different in the air Dec. 3 that just didn't seem right for the Northland.

With temperatures reaching around 50 degrees in Duluth, Leonard, the llama at the Lake Superior Zoo, just didn't know how to contain himself.

Even the zoo keepers were feeling a little out of sorts without freezing air and lots of snow by using a broom to clean around outside instead of a shovel.

Dave Chrysler, owner of Duluth Lawn & Sport, relies heavily on winter for business, so crazy spring-like weather forces him to think differently to get people buying.

"Kind of generate some excitement with some snowmobiles that are really good-buy right now -- on a helmet -- ya know, just try to concentrate on different things to keep plugging away," Chrysler said.

And while the weather people might be geeking out over all this slush and abnormal weather, the Northland just seems to take it with a little sense of the holidays.

"Well, we're just trying to give everybody the best of both worlds. We'll make sure you have a white Christmas, said Santa Clause, at Bentleyville Tour of Lights.

"Well, this is like a vacation, but snow is coming any day," said Mrs. Clause.

Meanwhile at the zoo, Spring Break was still living strong – for at least one more day.