Pennsylvania politicians from both parties pushed back this week after People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) urged that Punxsutawney Phil, the famed groundhog, be retired following his latest forecast of six more weeks of winter.
Gov. Josh Shapiro amplified the debate on social media by sharing an image of a yellow Gadsden flag altered to feature a groundhog in place of the traditional rattlesnake, drawing attention to the state's reaction as Phil marked what local organizers called his 140th weather prediction.
Strong Bipartisan Response
Republicans in the state House joined the governor in rejecting PETA’s proposal. House Minority Leader Jesse Topper of Bedford told Fox News Digital that the idea of replacing Phil with a hologram was both out of touch and unwelcome.
Groundhog Club handler A.J. Dereume holds Punxsutawney Phil, the weather prognosticating groundhog, during the 140th celebration of Groundhog Day on Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pa., Monday, Feb. 2, 2026. Phil's handlers said the groundhog forecast six more weeks of winter.(AP Newsroom)
"PETA lacks as much good taste as they do credibility here. Punxsutawney Phil and the celebration of Groundhog Day are core parts of what it means to be Pennsylvanian and are cherished by the nation," Topper said. "On top of that, Phil is treated like royalty, and rightfully so."
Topper described Phil’s living arrangements at the Jefferson County Library—spacious quarters with abundant sunlight and a window for passersby to see him—and criticized PETA’s suggestion as an impractical and tone-deaf replacement for a long-standing local tradition.
PETA’s Proposal
In its statement, PETA said it wants to give Groundhog Day "a much-needed glow-up." The organization proposed retiring Phil to "a reputable sanctuary with his family" and providing "a giant, state-of-the-art, 3-D projection hologram of a groundhog along with a vocal prognostication" to appear onstage at Gobbler’s Knob.
PETA framed its idea as a way to modernize the event while improving safety and animal welfare, though the suggestion drew swift and widespread criticism from state leaders and many residents.
Groundhog Club handler A.J. Dereume holds Punxsutawney Phil, the weather prognosticating groundhog, during the 137th celebration of Groundhog Day on Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pa., Feb. 2, 2023.
Economic And Cultural Stakes
Pennsylvania Deputy Tourism Secretary Anne Ryan emphasized the event’s importance to the state’s profile and economy. "Punxsutawney Phil draws national and international attention" each year, Ryan said, adding that a forecast for "six more weeks of winter" can translate into more visitors enjoying skiing, snowboarding, cozy small towns, historic sites, and seasonal festivals—an outcome aligned with the state’s tourism campaign.
Punxsutawney Phil lives at the Jefferson County Library in downtown Punxsutawney with his wife Phyllis and their young kit. The town, roughly halfway between Altoona and Erie, relies on the annual Groundhog Day festivities to attract media and tourists.
The Groundhog Day tradition extends beyond Punxsutawney to other parts of Pennsylvania with German cultural roots. More than a dozen local groups known as "Grundsau Lodsch" (Groundhog Lodges) host feasts, music, and weather forecasts sometimes delivered in the regional Pennsylvaanisch dialect. The holiday’s cultural reach was further amplified by the popular 1993 film Groundhog Day, starring Bill Murray.
As debate continues, the clash highlights a broader conversation about tradition, animal welfare, and how communities balance respect for heritage with evolving views on the treatment of animals.
