PETA suggests swapping Punxsutawney Phil with gold coin
Swapping Phil for coin? PETA has sent a letter to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club offering a large gold coin to replace Punxsutawney Phil on Groundhog Day. (PETA)
ByNatalie Dreier, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is hoping that the organizers of the annual Groundhog Day celebration in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania swap out Phil with a gold coin.
PETA has sent a letter to Punxsutawney Groundhog Club President Tom Dunkel saying that it will give the group a giant gold coin to use if they retire Phil, allowing the prognosticator of prognosticators to live the rest of his life in an animal sanctuary, WPXI reported.
PETA said he needs space to burrow, explore and hibernate.
“Groundhogs can’t make heads or tails of the weather forecast and shouldn’t be jostled around by large members of a different species and thrust in front of noisy crowds for a photo op,” PETA President Ingrid Newkirk said.
The new release issued by PETA suggests changing the name of Groundhog Day to “Weather There’ll Be More Winter Day.”
The giant coin would say “six more weeks of winter” on one side, and “early spring” on the other, adding that according to a study by Lakehead University, “‘beyond a shadow of a doubt’ groundhogs are no better at predicting when spring will arrive than flipping a coin.”
If Phil sees his shadow on the early morning of Feb. 2, then there will be six more weeks of winter and if there’s no shadow, then spring is around the corner, according to groundhog lore. Groundhog Day has been celebrated in Punxsutawney since 1886, with the first official trip to Gobbler’s Knob happening the following year. He has seen his shadow over 100 times and didn’t see his shadow about 20 times, with 10 years of no records.
Punxsutawney Phil FILE PHOTO: Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro poses for a portrait with Groundhog handler AJ Dereume and Punxsutawney Phil, who saw his shadow, predicting a late spring during the 137th annual Groundhog Day festivities on February 2, 2023 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Groundhog Day is a popular tradition in the United States and Canada. A crowd of upwards of 5000 people spent a night of revelry awaiting the sunrise and the groundhog's exit from his winter den. If Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow he regards it as an omen of six more weeks of bad weather and returns to his den. Early spring arrives if he does not see his shadow, causing Phil to remain above ground. (Photo by Michael Swensen/Getty Images) (Michael Swensen/Getty Images)
Through the years 1973 Punxsutawney, Pa.: "Punxy Phil" the King of all Weather Prophets appeared early this morning at Gobblers Knot and cast his shadow forecasting six more weeks of winter. The event has taken place every Feb. 2 for the past 89 years in Punxsutawney, The Weather Capitol of the World. (Bettmann/Bettmann Archive)
Through the years 1974 The big day for groundhogs is February 2nd and the weather prediction for western Pennsylvania for that day is cold with a possibility of snow or rain. The star of the day is Punxsutawney Phil, a groundhog who lives at Goobler's Knob, but who won't make his appearance until 2/2 to forecast how long winter will last. However, Pittsburgh won't make his appearance until 2/2 to forecast how long winter will last. However, Pittsburgh Greta took a peek outside her zoo cage and beat a hasty retreat 2/1, no sun just cold winds. It looks like Punxsutawney Phil already has his weather prediction, more winter. (Bettmann/Bettmann Archive)
Through the years 1975 Groundhog Club president Sam Light, age 79, held the woodchuck named Punxsutawney Phil during Ground Hog Day ceremonies. (Bettmann/Bettmann Archive)
Through the years 1985 Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania: Groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, made his annual weather prediction and appearance at Cobbler's knob 2/2. He saw his shadow and predicted 6 more weeks of winter, Jim Means (L) pops the question to Phil as handler, Bud Dunkel looks on. (Bettmann/Bettmann Archive)
Through the years PUNXSUTAWNEY, UNITED STATES: Crystal Zimmerman of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania sleeps at the foot of a tree during an all-night vigil 02 February, 2001 during the Groundhog Day celebration at Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. When Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his burrow at daybreak he saw his shadow, forecasting six more weeks of winter. AFP PHOTO/David MAXWELL (Photo credit should read DAVID MAXWELL/AFP via Getty Images) (DAVID MAXWELL/AFP via Getty Images)
Through the years PUNXSUTAWNEY, UNITED STATES: Martha Blake of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, waves a homemade flag as she joins a crowd of 12,000 on 02 February, 2001 during the Groundhog Day celebration at Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, PA. When Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his burrow at daybreak he saw his shadow, forecasting six more weeks of winter.AFP PHOTO/David MAXWELL (Photo credit should read DAVID MAXWELL/AFP via Getty Images) (DAVID MAXWELL/AFP via Getty Images)
Through the years PUNXSUTAWNEY, UNITED STATES: Members of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club Inner Circle watch as William Deeley (L) raises the groundhog Punxsutawney Phil after Phil emerged from his burrow at daybreak 02 February, 2001 during the Groundhog Day celebration at Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Phil saw his shadow, forecasting six more weeks of winter. AFP PHOTO/David MAXWELL (Photo credit should read DAVID MAXWELL/AFP via Getty Images) (DAVID MAXWELL/AFP via Getty Images)
Through the years Members of Punxsutawney's "Inner Circle" tap on Punxsutawney Phil's door as they entice him out February 2, 2002, during the annual Groundhog Day event in Punxsutawney, Pa. Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of winter in front of an estimated crowd of over 40,000. (Photo by Chris Hondros/Getty Images) (Chris Hondros)
Through the years Women acting like rabid fans reach out to an Elvis impersonator on February 2, 2002, during the annual Groundhog day event in Punxsutawney, Pa. Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of winter in front of an estimated crowd of over 40,000. (Photo by Chris Hondros/Getty Images) (Chris Hondros)
Through the years Official Groundhog Handler Bill Deeley, right, holds Punxsutawney Phil aloft as the weather prediction proclamation is read February 2, 2002, after the groundhog made his yearly weather prediction in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Phil predicted six more weeks of winter in front of an estimated crowd of over 40,000. (Photo by Chris Hondros/Getty Images) (Chris Hondros)
Through the years PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA - FEBRUARY 2: Ben Hughes, a member of the "Inner Circle," cheers on the crowd as an unindentified couple kisses following a purposal of marriage at Gobbler's Knob during the annual Groundhog day event February 2, 2003 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Weather prognosticating groundhog Punxsutawney Phil, having seen his shadow, predicted six more weeks of winter. (Photo by Archie Carpenter/Getty Images) (Archie Carpenter/Getty Images)
Through the years PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA - FEBRUARY 2: Pennsylvania Governor Ed Randell addresses the crowd before the appearance of weather prognosticating groundhog Punxsutawney Phil at Gobbler's Knob during the annual Groundhog day event February 2, 2003 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Phil, having seen his shadow, predicted six more weeks of winter. (Photo by Archie Carpenter/Getty Images) (Archie Carpenter/Getty Images)
Through the years PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA - FEBRUARY 1: A giant hand painted statue of Punxsutawney Phil greets visitors to the Groundhog Zoo in Barclay Park on the eve of Groundhog Day on February 1, 2004 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. As the custom goes, if Punxsutawney Phil (a large burrowing rodent) emerges from hibernation to see his own shadow, he will take this as a sign of six more weeks of winter, and return to his burrow. (Photo by Archie Carpenter/Getty Images) (Archie Carpenter/Getty Images)
Through the years PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA - FEBRUARY 1: A groundhog peaks out from his man-made den at the Groundhog Zoo in Barley Park on the eve of Groundhog Day on February 1, 2004 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. As the custom goes, if Punxsutawney Phil (a large burrowing rodent) emerges from hibernation to see his own shadow, he will take this as a sign of six more weeks of winter, and return to his burrow. (Photo by Archie Carpenter/Getty Images) (Archie Carpenter/Getty Images)
Through the years PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA - FEBRUARY 2: Punxsutawney Phil the weather forecasting groundhog is presented to the crowd by handler Bill Deeley during the annual Groundhog Day event at Gobbler's Knob on February 2, 2004 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. As the custom goes, if Punxsutawney Phil (a large burrowing rodent) emerges from hibernation to see his own shadow, he will take it as a sign of six more weeks of winter, and return to his burrow. (Photo by Archie Carpenter/Getty Images) (Archie Carpenter/Getty Images)
Through the years PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA - FEBRUARY 2: Fireworks go off prior to the Groudhod Day celebrations February 2, 2005 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of winter in front of an estimated crowd of 18,000. (Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images) (Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)
Through the years PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA - FEBRUARY 2: Official groundhog handler Bill Deeley holds Punxsutawney Phil as he talks to the local media February 2, 2005 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Phil predicted six more weeks of winter in front of an estimated crowd of over 18000. (Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images) (Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)
Through the years PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA - FEBRUARY 02: Rosemarie Drummond and Jerry Grguich wear Groundhog masks while waiting to see if Punxsutawney Phil will see his shadow which he didn't thus predicting an early spring during festivities February 2, 2007 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Groundhog Day is on February 2 and is a popular tradition in the United States and Canada. The tradition states that if the Groundhog sees his shadow he regards it as an omen of six more weeks of bad weather and returns to his hole. If the day is cloudy and shadowless, he takes it as a sign of spring and stays above ground. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) (Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
Through the years PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA - FEBRUARY 2: Dick Garrad has awaited the arrival of Punxsutawney Phil on his birthday for the past 14 years. The groundhog saw his shadow predicting 6 more weeks of winter during festivities on February 2, 2008 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Groundhog Day is a popular traditon in the United States and Canada. This year a crowd of 40,000 spent a night of revelry awaiting the sunrise and the groundhog's exit from his winter den. If the groundhog sees his shadow he regards it as an omen of 6 more weeks of bad weather and returns to his den. If he doesn't see his shadow, it is a sign of an early spring and he stays above ground. (Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images) (Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)
Through the years PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA - FEBRUARY 2: Groundhog handler Ben Hughes watches Punxsutawney Phil after he did not see his shadow predicting an early spring during the 125th annual Groundhog Day festivities on February 2, 2011 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Groundhog Day is a popular tradition in the United States and Canada. A smaller than usual crowd this year of less than 15,000 people spent a night of revelry awaiting the sunrise and the groundhog's exit from his winter den. If Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow he regards it as an omen of six more weeks of bad weather and returns to his den. Early spring arrives if he does not see his shadow causing Phil to remain above ground. (Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images) (Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)
Through the years PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA - FEBRUARY 2: Groundhog handler John Griffiths holds Punxsutawney Phil after he saw his shadow predicting 6 more weeks of winter during 126th annual Groundhog Day festivities on February 2, 2012 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Groundhog Day is a popular tradition in the United States and Canada. A smaller than usual crowd this year of less than 15,000 people spent a night of revelry awaiting the sunrise and the groundhog's exit from his winter den. If Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow he regards it as an omen of six more weeks of bad weather and returns to his den. Early spring arrives if he does not see his shadow, causing Phil to remain above ground. (Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images) (Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)
Through the years PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA - FEBRUARY 02: A man waits for the Punxsutawney Phil to come out from his winter den during the 127th Groundhog Day Celebration at Gobbler's Knob on February 2, 2013 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. The Punxsutawney 'Inner Circle' claimed that there were about 35,000 people gathered at the event to watch Phil's annual forecast. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Through the years PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA - FEBRUARY 2: Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow predicting six more weeks of winter during 131st annual Groundhog Day festivities on February 2, 2017 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Groundhog Day is a popular tradition in the United States and Canada. A smaller than usual crowd this year of less than 20,000 people spent a night of revelry awaiting the sunrise and the groundhog's exit from his winter den. If Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow he regards it as an omen of six more weeks of bad weather and returns to his den. Early spring arrives if he does not see his shadow, causing Phil to remain above ground. (Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images) (Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)
Through the years PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA - FEBRUARY 02: Punxsutawney Phil is taken out by his handler during Groundhog day ceremonies on February 2, 2018 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Groundhog Day is a popular tradition in the United States and Canada where people await the sunrise and the groundhog's exit from his winter den. If Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow he regards it as an omen of six more weeks of bad weather and returns to his den. Early spring arrives if he does not see his shadow, causing Phil to remain above ground. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) (Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
Through the years PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA - FEBRUARY 02: Groundhog handler John Griffiths holds Punxsutawney Phil, who did not see his shadow, predicting an early or late spring during the 134th annual Groundhog Day festivities on February 2, 2020 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Groundhog Day is a popular tradition in the United States and Canada. A crowd of upwards of 20,000 people spent a night of revelry awaiting the sunrise and the groundhog's exit from his winter den. If Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow he regards it as an omen of six more weeks of bad weather and returns to his den. Early spring arrives if he does not see his shadow, causing Phil to remain above ground. (Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images) (Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)
Through the years PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA - FEBRUARY 01: Punxsutawney Groundhog Club Inner Circle Members Jason Gursky and official handler, AJ Dereume and Punxsutawney Phil, the weather-predicting groundhog, work a Zoom call with schoolchildren in hundreds of schools throughout the United States on Gobblers Knob on February 1, 2021 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. While last year's tradition of using the groundhog to determine whether there will be six more weeks of winter brought 44,000 people to the small town of 22,000 in central Pennsylvania, tomorrow's event will be held virtually, with no visitors permitted. (Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images) (Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)
Through the years PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA - FEBRUARY 02: Groundhog handler AJ Derume holds Punxsutawney Phil, who saw his shadow, predicting a late spring during the 136th annual Groundhog Day festivities on February 2, 2022 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Groundhog Day is a popular tradition in the United States and Canada. A crowd of upwards of 5000 people spent a night of revelry awaiting the sunrise and the groundhog's exit from his winter den. If Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow he regards it as an omen of six more weeks of bad weather and returns to his den. Early spring arrives if he does not see his shadow, causing Phil to remain above ground. (Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images) (Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)
Through the years PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA - FEBRUARY 02: President Tom Dunkel and Groundhog handler AJ Derume with Punxsutawney Phil, who saw his shadow, predicting a late spring during the 137th annual Groundhog Day festivities on February 2, 2023 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Groundhog Day is a popular tradition in the United States and Canada. A crowd of upwards of 5,000 people spent a night of revelry awaiting the sunrise and the groundhog's exit from his winter den. If Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow he regards it as an omen of six more weeks of bad weather and returns to his den. Early spring arrives if he does not see his shadow, causing Phil to remain above ground.
(Photo by Michael Swensen/Getty Images) (Michael Swensen/Getty Images)
Through the years PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA - FEBRUARY 02: Groundhog handler AJ Dereume holds Punxsutawney Phil for an interview with WTAJ reporter, who saw his shadow, predicting a late spring during the 137th annual Groundhog Day festivities on February 2, 2023 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Groundhog Day is a popular tradition in the United States and Canada. A crowd of upwards of 5000 people spent a night of revelry awaiting the sunrise and the groundhog's exit from his winter den. If Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow he regards it as an omen of six more weeks of bad weather and returns to his den. Early spring arrives if he does not see his shadow, causing Phil to remain above ground.
(Photo by Michael Swensen/Getty Images) (Michael Swensen/Getty Images)
Through the years PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA - FEBRUARY 02: People wait to see Punxsutawney Phil, who saw his shadow, predicting a late spring during the 137th annual Groundhog Day festivities on February 2, 2023 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Groundhog Day is a popular tradition in the United States and Canada. A crowd of upwards of 5,000 people spent a night of revelry awaiting the sunrise and the groundhog's exit from his winter den. If Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow he regards it as an omen of six more weeks of bad weather and returns to his den. Early spring arrives if he does not see his shadow, causing Phil to remain above ground.
(Photo by Michael Swensen/Getty Images) (Michael Swensen/Getty Images)
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