The renowned groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, emerged from his burrow on Sunday morning, February 2nd, 2025, and spotted his shadow, forecasting an extended winter season for another six weeks. This 138th annual prognostication took place in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, amidst a flurry of festivities. Starting at 6 a.m. in chilly 20-degree weather, the event featured singing, dancing, live music, and fireworks, culminating in Phil's appearance at 7:22 a.m. before an eager crowd.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro addressed the gathering at Gobbler's Knob, directly responding to calls from PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) to replace Phil with a vegan alternative. Shapiro emphatically defended the tradition, dating back to the 1880s, stating that anyone challenging Phil would have to contend with him and the assembled crowd. He highlighted Phil's designation as the official state meteorologist, humorously claiming Phil's weather predictions are "never wrong," and even suggested making Groundhog Day a state holiday. Shapiro has attended every Punxsutawney Groundhog Day event since taking office in 2023.
Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pa., speaks at a Groundhog Day event in Pennsylvania on Feb. 2, 2025. (PCNTV)
A large crowd attends a Groundhog Day event in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania on Feb. 2, 2025. (PCNTV)
PETA President Ingrid Newkirk voiced concerns to the New York Post, arguing that Phil's involvement in the tradition deprives him of a natural groundhog existence. Despite being a national observance, popularized by the 1993 film "Groundhog Day," the event holds particular significance for Pennsylvanians. The Groundhog Club Inner Circle, a group of local officials responsible for Phil's care and the event's organization, oversees the annual prediction ceremony.
-
Groundhog Punxsutawney Phil is held up after being pulled out of his burrow Groundhog Day on Feb. 2, 2025. (PCNTV)
-
Groundhog Punxsutawney Phil comes out on Groundhog Day on Feb. 2, 2025. (PCNTV)
-
Groundhog Punxsutawney Phil's weather prediction is read aloud on Groundhog Day on Feb. 2, 2025. (PCNTV)
While the public gathers to witness Phil's prediction, the Groundhog Club Inner Circle determines the forecast beforehand at Gobbler's Knob, near Punxsutawney. Other "Grundsau Lodsch" or Groundhog Lodges exist throughout Pennsylvania, particularly in historically Pennsylvania German areas.
