Ahead of Groundhog’s Day, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro jokingly rejected the animal rights organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)’s plea to replace the state’s famed rodent Punxsutawney Phil with a vegan cake.
Why It Matters
Each year, the famed groundhog draws the attention of thousands of Americans as he emerges from his den and is credited with forecasting the weather in the coming weeks, depending on whether he sees his shadow.
Earlier this week, PETA offered the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club a deal—retire the groundhog to a reputable sanctuary and the organization will provide a vegan “weather reveal” cake every Groundhog Day in perpetuity.
PETA has repeatedly called for the retirement of Punxsutawney Phil, arguing that using him exploits “an intelligent, sensitive animal.”
What To Know
Just two days before Groundhog Day, which is observed annually on February 2, Shapiro responded to PETA’s offer to replace the state’s famed Punxsutawney Phil with a vegan cake on X, formerly Twitter, simply writing: “Come and take it.”
Groundhog Day, which originated in Pennsylvania and is most famously observed by Punxsutawney Phil, dates back to 1887. The weather prediction tradition takes place on February 2, which is approximately the midway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox.
If the groundhog sees its shadow, it runs back into its den, meaning there are six more weeks of winter. However, if the groundhog doesn’t see its shadow, it signifies that spring weather is around the corner.
The tradition is rooted in Candlemas Day, an early European Christian holiday that marked the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. During the celebrations, if the weather was bright and clear, it signified a long and harsh winter ahead. A dull, cloudy day was believed to mean spring was near. A badger or sacred bear was often used to help predict.
When Germans settled in America, particularly in Pennsylvania Dutch country, they replaced the badgers with a groundhog.
In response to Shapiro jokingly replying, “Come and get it,” PETA wrote on X, “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?”
Newsweek has filed out an online contact form with PETA for comment on Saturday.
What People Are Saying
Manuel Bonder, Governor Josh Shapiro’s press secretary, told Newsweek in an email statement on the matter: “The governor is dead serious in his defense of this historic Pennsylvania tradition and remains committed to protecting Punxsutawney Phil, the inner circle, and the role they play in the Groundhog Day celebration.”
Gabriella Hoffman, director of the Independent Women’s Forum Center for Energy and Conservation, wrote on X, “I agree with Governor Shapiro on something. PETA is terrible.”
What Happens Next
Tomorrow, Punxsutawney Phil will determine whether the cold weather will continue on for weeks or if spring is around the corner. It will mark the 139th celebration of Groundhog Day.
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