Pennsylvania gov rebuffs PETA’s demands on Punxsutawney Phil: ‘Come and take it’

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro has issued a strong response to the recent demands made by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) regarding Punxsutawney Phil, the famous groundhog who predicts the weather on Groundhog Day. PETA sent a letter to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club offering to send a vegan “weather reveal cake” if they agreed to stop pulling Phil out of his burrow for the annual prognostication on February 2.
In a tweet, Shapiro defiantly replied, “Come and take it,” in reaction to a New York Post article covering PETA’s ultimatum. Manuel Bonder, a spokesperson for Shapiro, confirmed that the governor will attend Phil’s 138th meteorological prediction ceremony at Gobbler’s Knob in Jefferson County, as he has done every year since taking office in 2023.
Despite PETA’s claims that Phil is denied a traditional groundhog lifestyle for the sake of a tired gimmick, the furry forecaster remains a beloved figure in Pennsylvania. Visitors to Punxsutawney can visit Phil and his “wife” Phyllis at the borough library, where the couple recently welcomed a new baby groundhog.
Groundhog Day is not only a national holiday but also a cherished tradition in Pennsylvania, where 19 lodges hold “Versommlinge” celebrations. However, some lodges have disbanded in recent years, reflecting a decline in Pennsylvania German language and culture among younger generations.
A March 2024 Versommling at “Lodge #18 an de Forelle Grick” in Slatington featured local beer, traditional Pennsylvania German cuisine, storytelling in the Pennsylvania German language, and tributes to Phil. Shapiro remains committed to defending Phil and his tradition, emphasizing the significance of Groundhog Day for Pennsylvanians past and present.
The history of groundhog lodges includes a prohibition on English-speaking, with violators required to make a donation if caught speaking English instead of “Pennsilfaanisch.” In contrast to Phil’s lucky streak, other states’ groundhog ceremonies have had tragic outcomes, such as when Staten Island Chuck died from injuries sustained during a mishandled ceremony in 2014.
As Shapiro continues to champion Punxsutawney Phil and his annual weather predictions, he reaffirms his support for the beloved groundhog and the enduring tradition of Groundhog Day in Pennsylvania. The governor’s dedication to this cultural event underscores the importance of preserving local customs and celebrating the unique heritage of the Keystone State.