Punxsutawney Phil Sparks Debate as PETA Proposes Vegan Cake for Groundhog Day

PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. — A heated debate has erupted over the future of Groundhog Day as animal rights organization PETA proposed replacing Punxsutawney Phil, the world-famous weather-predicting groundhog, with a vegan cake. The suggestion has drawn sharp criticism from Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, who vowed to defend the 139-year-old tradition.

PETA sent a letter to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club on Jan. 21, suggesting that Phil and his family retire to a sanctuary. In exchange, the group offered to provide a vegan cake each year that would reveal the weather forecast by cutting into it to expose either blue (six more weeks of winter) or pink (early spring). The proposal was met with swift backlash from Shapiro, who tweeted on Jan. 31, “Come and take it,” in defense of Phil.

Manuel Bonder, Shapiro’s press secretary, told The Guardian, “The governor is dead serious in his defense of this historic tradition and remains committed to protecting Punxsutawney Phil and the inner circle, and the role they play in the Groundhog Day celebration.”

PETA responded to Shapiro’s tweet on Saturday, writing, “It’s wonderful that you support Phil’s rehabilitation and release to a sanctuary! How would you like us to arrange pick up for him?”

Groundhog Day, celebrated annually on Feb. 2, traces its roots to pre-Christian holidays marking seasonal turning points. German immigrants adapted the tradition by substituting hedgehogs with groundhogs, which are native to Pennsylvania. The event now attracts 20,000 to 30,000 tourists to Punxsutawney each year, despite Phil’s less-than-stellar accuracy rate of 35% over the past decade, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Phil’s predictions are based on whether he sees his shadow upon emerging from his burrow at Gobbler’s Knob. If he sees his shadow, it signifies six more weeks of winter; if not, an early spring is predicted. This year’s ceremony marks the 139th anniversary of the tradition, which was first officially recorded in 1887.

While the debate over Phil’s role continues, the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club remains steadfast in its commitment to the tradition. “There is only one Punxsutawney Phil,” the club stated, likening him to iconic figures such as Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. Phil’s longevity is attributed to a mythical “elixir of life” he consumes each summer.

As thousands gather at Gobbler’s Knob to witness Phil’s prediction, the controversy highlights the intersection of tradition, animal rights, and modern sensibilities. For now, Punxsutawney Phil remains the star of the show, with Shapiro and his supporters determined to keep it that way.