how long is Phil doing his job? do you think he cares after all this years?

Posted by: Louise | January 26, 2010 01:46 PM

I think retiring Phil is not the best idea. Is living at a library with children who love him and show him affection that horrible? Isn't that like a pet?
Prepare for hibernation? He has shelter, food, and better medical attention then most humans in the US. What does need to prepare?
The way I see it He's making a great living and got to meet Bill Murray, which is awesome.
He would suffer more hardship back in the wild then continuing what he has been doing his whole life.
Also when you say screaming crowds, who is screaming? He's not Bono. Flashing cameras? Is this really that big of a deal? It's not a constant thing, it only happens once in a while.

Also did you consider the negative impact replacing Phil with a robot would have on tourism for the town? Family business, hotels. He's what puts the town on the map.

Imagine if we could all have a life like Phil.

Posted by: adam | January 26, 2010 02:39 PM

alas! for nothing is sacred. yet another worthless and bankrupt DUMBYist spectacle. that poor groundhog lives in a cage for most of the year, the rest of it is just window dressing.

Posted by: vegancoin | January 26, 2010 03:06 PM

Why do they have to do this to Phil in the first place?

Just leave the poor ground hog to live his life. Sounds like an uncomfortable life to live.

Posted by: Andre Inglis | January 26, 2010 05:54 PM

I don't know how many "Phils" they have gone through over the years. When one dies, they just get another.

I never understood the stupidity of this event. I would think the spectators at Gobbler's Knob would be way more comfotable getting trashed in their own homes.

Posted by: Kelley | January 26, 2010 05:59 PM

ohh, aine e cute.. know i know why royce (my cat) allways lookin out the window, lol..

Posted by: 4mula1 | January 26, 2010 06:08 PM

by the sounds of it you are all just assuming what goes in punxsy, i live in this good ole town and we will not be using an electric phil ever... we will not be turning groundhog day into a trip to chuckycheese so everyone can see a robotic dancing critter. You make it seem as if he is in a cage 364 days a year. That is def not the case.

Posted by: Cody Murray | January 26, 2010 07:04 PM

He is the most pampered Groundhog on the planet. What groundhog would not want to trade places with him? All other groundhogs...I bet they like getting shot at in farmers fields and being roadkill. COME ON!

Posted by: Kathleen | January 27, 2010 07:32 AM

It's called FREEDOM, Kathleen!! Read vegancoin's comment. I'm sure you wouldn't appreciate this being done to you when your basic instincts are being denied. They (groundhog/woodchuks) live in colonies underground and hibernate EVERY winter, clearly "Phil" lives solitary never to mate OR hibernate cause he lives indoors!! Animals are not ours to entertain us PERIOD!!

Posted by: Carla* | January 27, 2010 01:54 PM

hmmmm.... it's pretty obvious that that poor groundhog is not in his natural environment. the whole groundhog thing as played out in Pennsylvania is just a cheap charade. i do agree that animals should not end up as roadkill.

support meat free monday.

Posted by: vegancoin | January 27, 2010 02:21 PM

Seriously, if he was turned loose at this point in his life, he would surely fall prey to another larger animal. Anyone with a house cat they turn loose, should be able to grasp that idea. I live in the country, and see all kinds of defenseless animals dumped on the roadside, do you think they fare better, being free? I doubt it, most starve to death. Yeah great idea, lets turn him loose, and and watch what happens.

Posted by: Donna Day | January 27, 2010 03:50 PM

Do PETA officials not realize that off the wall suggestions like this one are part of the reason the organization gets such a bad reputation? PETA does good work, but get publicity in good ways, not by raising the ire of the American public with strange suggestions that this Groundhog is somehow being treated inhumanely. That just isn't the case. Come on.

Posted by: Pennsylvanian in Texas | January 27, 2010 05:09 PM

I am not a great fan of woodchucks at all. I have a love hate relationship with them all spring/summer long as I chase them away from my flower beds every year. That being said I do believe it is time to stop pulling "Phil" from his home every year just so we can see when spring is coming. We have these wonderful people and they are called weather people and we rely upon them to give us our forecasts. I say it's time for the tradition to end.

Posted by: Marie Berkery | January 27, 2010 06:10 PM

its not like he is treated horribly, he gets the best of everything, most groundhogs around here are lucky to last as long as he has. PETA should focus on real animal cruelty and not a groundhog that lives the good life.

Posted by: joe | January 27, 2010 06:37 PM

Replace the hog with a robot. You all have way too much timw on your hands. Get a life....

Posted by: JMB | January 27, 2010 06:52 PM

Oh come on, this groundhog is treated very well. Your organization has many other important issues to deal with when it comes to animal care

Posted by: garry | January 27, 2010 06:52 PM

Seriously...you all are beyond ridiculous. We have so many horrible things going on in this world and this is going to be your new quest. Take your energy and please put to use in something that really needs attention!

Posted by: Dawn | January 27, 2010 06:57 PM

I thought you effort was "areas in which the largest numbers of animals suffer the most intensely for the longest periods of time". Phil is not a large group of animals, suffer the most for the longest period of time". Phil is well taken care of. Guess we need to release all the dogs and cats also. I'm taking my money elsewhere. What a waste of time, effort and energy.

Posted by: Michael | January 27, 2010 07:05 PM

First you want Uga to be a human now you want to replace a symbol of our holiday? i think not. millions of people in our country wait to see if Phil will see his shadow. this groundhog lives a more luxurious life than i do. i love what PETA does but this is getting a bit ridiculous.

Posted by: joe | January 27, 2010 07:11 PM

Let's worry about the animals that are truely being mistreated. Born and raised in Punxsy... Groundhog day is a festival that brightens the dreary winter days for both residents and people worldwide...So Mr./Ms. Peta...get a life.

Posted by: Punxsy Ambassador | January 27, 2010 07:26 PM

Having been born and raised in Punxsutawney, I take offense to all this catterwalling about "putting Phil out to pasture"! If you want to know Phil's history, get in touch with the chamber of commerce of Punxsutawney. His "home" is considerable in size--and NOT a cage. He has running water and all the food and attention that NO wild one would have. He rests and plays for 364 days a year, and works a few hours on the 365th day. Why do people have to try and interrupt something that is over a century old and part of our history? In all reality, Phil isn't so bad off.

Posted by: Lynda | January 27, 2010 07:29 PM

I'm a bit confused. Am I to understand that the writer would like for the little fellow to be let loose so he can be shot by a farmer? Once released, who would protect him from the other wildlife which would make a tasty treat out of him?

Posted by: John | January 27, 2010 07:52 PM

PETA has gone too far this time! This is absolutely rediculous! A robotic groundhog? Come on! There are bigger problems in this world right now. I don't think Phil is too terribly miserable. He has everything he needs. Yes, his natural instincts are being altered but aren't all of our "habitats" and "natural intincts" altered at some point in our lives? Does Phil really even know any better? How far back can he remember? I'm sure some PETA expert, that can read groundhog minds, will ring in.

Posted by: Michelle | January 27, 2010 08:55 PM

I agree with Adam's 1/26/10 post. Leave Phil alone, PETA. Yes, he is sacred in my book. I'm a Mid-Atlantic native who visited this area of PA in August 2008. What was the attraction? The real live animal, Phil, & his many statue-buddies in the area. I think it's GREAT that the area reminds us of the value of these lovely creatures. Whenever I see one (other than Phil) along the highways & byways, I call him "Sunny" (because he reminds me of beauty of nature, blue skies, etc.) & burst into song (the song "Sonny" by Sonny & Cher) & smiles:). THANKS to Phil & his groundhog buddies for all of these lovely moments in life, Deb

Posted by: Deb | January 27, 2010 08:57 PM

You make it hard to take you seriously when stories like these come out on national television. You should really think a little harder about which battles to fight.

Posted by: mike | January 27, 2010 09:04 PM

You people don't even know what your talking about. I make my point by proving all of your other arguments to be incorrect.
First@ vegancoin. This is event is not the "Dumbyist"? (I don't even think that is a word) it is an important source of income for Punxsy, and the animal is not in a cage the whole year, it in a quite large "habitat" with plenty of food and water. I should know I live there.

@ Andre Inglis read above.

@ Kelley "stupidity of the event" does that mean Christmas is stupid becuase a fat man breaks into your house and leaves you things, or that Easter is stupid because a rabbit comes around and leaves you colored eggs. The answer is no, no you don't. You clearly just don't have respect for other peoples holidays.

@ Carla*. First of all I would love to live in a nice warm area where I never have to do anything to get food or water but that just me. And this animal isn't alone (ever heard of Phylis).

I live hear, and by the sound of your comments most of you people don't, and I think I know what goes on in my own town, and I say Phil is just fine. Now if you talk to Phil and he tells you that he isn't happy maybe I'll believe you, but don't going off spouting mindless comments on how the groundhog is "unhappy".

Posted by: jason | January 27, 2010 09:15 PM

If anyone wants to "Save the Groundhog" come to my house in the Spring. There are plenty of them and non of them live as well as Phil. PETA, get real and consentrate on real crulity to animals. If anyone really wants to help get off your dead butts and volunteer for a cause - any cause.

Posted by: Jamie | January 27, 2010 09:53 PM

I want to support PETA i really do. I am all for better treatment for animals and feel that PETA does a lot of good. However, ridiculous articles like replacing Punxatawny Phil with a robot are complete absurd and cause me to lose my faith in the group. Instead of worrying about one groundhog that is in fact treated better than almost every other animal I have ever met, focus on important issues that don't involve robotic replacements.

Posted by: Lauren | January 27, 2010 10:15 PM

I really don't understand why - when there are animals being factory farmed in America, why would PETA attack a beloved pet.

Realeasing Phil into the wild would only ensure his death.

Posted by: Glenn Dewar | January 27, 2010 10:54 PM

Do you really want to control everything that people do? Get a life.

Posted by: Edgar Hartmanis | January 27, 2010 10:54 PM

Really?? This is the dumbest idea ever. You are looking for publicity. Punxsutawney Phil is unharmed and needs to be left to do what he does. Worry about important things.

Posted by: amber | January 27, 2010 11:40 PM

I do not mean anything bad by it, Phil is amazing, everybody loves him. But maybe he is too old for the game and should retire. In this particular case bring him to another place. The people would miss him dreadfully but had to accept it.

Posted by: Jay | January 28, 2010 12:19 AM

I have always been an advocate for animal rights.
I was the kid that got beat up after school because I yelled at the other kids for shooting birds with their BB guns.
I kicked a kid in the nuts once for shooting a road runner (then got my wrist broken the next day for it.)

But this is rediculous. We're talking about a groundhog. A groundhog that is very well fed and taken care of all year round.
Pampered is probably quite the understatement.
Our dogs and cats (and every other animal) should be so lucky.
The next thing we'll be doing is complaining that we put a red nose on Rudolph.

We have so many other things to worry about..

Get real people.

Posted by: Scott | January 28, 2010 01:16 AM

Hey, Maybe we can get a collection together and rent Gust the second most famous groundhog in Pennsylvania for the festivity in Punxsutawnay Pa on Feb 2 to let Phil have the day off. You never know maybe the people there may like having a robotic groundhog... I DON'T THINK SO! philfan

Posted by: PAgirl | January 28, 2010 08:28 AM

I am pretty sure nobody at PETA is suggesting that Phil be released into the wild. He has surely live too much time in captivity for that to be a safe option. However, I am sure there is a reputable sanctuary that would be glad to care for him. I am from PA as well and to everyone who thinks this is ridiculous...Phil is a prisoner. Would you want to spend your life in jail. Sure you would get your three meals a day, clean clothes, and shelter; yes, you would adapt, but you would certainly not think you were living a high quality of life.

Posted by: JC | January 28, 2010 09:07 AM

I am a HUGE animal lover. I - for the most part - love what PETA stands for. However, sometimes the things you come up with really turn people off and make them question your credibility. The groundhog thing? Totally ridiculous.

Posted by: gayle | January 28, 2010 10:00 AM

PETA should spend their time and resources to get after the puppy mills that thrive in PA. Phil is fine. Puppy mill dogs need PETA's help desparately

Posted by: DJ | January 28, 2010 10:35 AM

Mike--Groundhog day as celebrated in Punxy IS stupid. It is a bunch of loudmouth drunks standing in the cold and dark waiting to see some little rodent be drug out of a stump by men wearing top hats. If that does not qualify as a stupid way to spend a day, then I don't know what does. I am a lifelong PA resident with friends who in their younger drinking days used to participate in this stupid event. It was stupid then and it is stupid now.

Posted by: Kelley | January 28, 2010 11:00 AM

I've always supported PETA in the past but this is just ridiculous. Our perception is misconstrued enough in the world. This is at best a minimal issue. Let's concentrate on the plight of the dairy cows. They go thru hell every day of their lives. I know...I live in rural upstate NY accross the road from a dairy farm! BTW, life for a groundhog in the wild isn't exactly fun! Just ask a coyote, groundhogs are a good food source

Posted by: Edward McCafferty | January 28, 2010 11:05 AM

PETA needs to come to this area and see that poor abused animals that are left in the cold with no shelter and dogs tied to a box with no straw and food. Punxsy Phil lives a very good life and he seems very happy living in his house at the library! VERY CONTENT!!!!! I used to have a groundhog for a pet and they are very content around people. I know that for a fact because my groundhog slept with me and went with me everywhere! At least when Phil is in his little house he is safe from being shot in the fields! He would be in a cage in a sancuary so what is the difference of where he is now? He doesn't pay one bit of attention to the people looking at him shere he is now!

If you want to worry about animal abuse you need to come here and get the laws enforced about pet abuse!

A concerned Punxy citizen!

Posted by: Paula Swartz | January 28, 2010 02:07 PM

I tell you what Mr. Peta guy how about before you go off and pick on our little town you come and visit it first. Go visit Phil in the Library and realize that there is someone whose job it is to make sure that Phil is properly taken care of. Walk around the town and you will see that Phil is adored and loved by all. Enjoy the celebration that is Groundhog Day. If after all that if you still think he should be replaced with a robot I have an idea for you. You get all the people who like your idea and we will get all the Phil Fans and we will see which idea is more popular.

To all you ignorant people who are just spouting off about this the same goes to you.

Or here is an idea PETA, If you really feel that strongly that there is this big injustice being taken against Phil then how about you pay to replace him. You pay to put him in a Sanctuary and take care of him better than we are now. And then after all that you reimburse my town for the lost income you will cause.

Nothing short of an act of God will make us get rid of Phil.

Posted by: Chris | January 28, 2010 04:47 PM

okay i live in punxsy and phil lives a life of being in a warm habitat made to resemble a real habitat...he lives with other groundhogs as well....he gets fed and doesn't have to find his food and is brought out for a weekend and put back in peace....if we release him to the wilderness of punxsy he will be shot within the week...this is a town of rednecks and farmers who hunt and hunt and hunt thats all we do and nothing can really be done there he's better off living happily in a warm pen with food and medicine and care by a specified caretaker than risking himself living out in the wild and getting shot

Posted by: gorilla1123 | January 28, 2010 05:15 PM

if you are that worried about poor treatment of animals go find people who actually abuse animals not a small town who uses one groundhog and is treated with the best care in the world

Posted by: gorilla1123 | January 28, 2010 05:18 PM

Guys, calm down. It's called "tongue in cheek humor". It's just a PETA joke :)

Posted by: Elisey | January 28, 2010 05:36 PM

phil the groundhog is a hoax and another false spectacle, a piece of american fiction. i'm glad ya'all love phil and what he represents, but how many you are vegan and recognize the injustices being done here and the outright stoopidity of this tradition? prolly not too many. it is interesting to note that many here have said that it is just another reason to get drunk, get trashed and act stupid.

according to wiki:

***
Punxsutawney Phil is a groundhog resident of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, USA. On February 2, (Groundhog Day) of each year, the town of Punxsutawney celebrates the beloved groundhog with a festive atmosphere of music and food. During the ceremony, which begins well before the winter sunrise, Phil emerges from his temporary home on Gobbler's Knob, located in a rural area about 2 mi (3.2 km) east of town. According to the tradition, if Phil sees his shadow and returns to his hole, the United States will have six more weeks of winter. If Phil does not see his shadow, spring will arrive early.[1]

Of these 112 predictions on record so far, Punxsutawney Phil has predicted an early spring 14 times (13%)...However, according to the StormFax Weather Almanac and records kept since 1887, Phil's predictions have been correct just 39% of the time.[7]

In reality, groundhogs (widely known as woodchucks) have a maximum lifespan in captivity of 10 years, much shorter in the wild.[4] Thus it is certain that Phil has been replaced many times. The actual method whereby the Inner Circle makes the "prediction" is unknown.
***

so his predictions are less than accurate, he is placed in a temporary abode for the ceremony, and there have been many Phils over the years. ridiculous.

Posted by: vegancoin | January 28, 2010 05:46 PM

i hope u relize PETA that u are bringing attention to the subject... but its not in your favor.. and im sure my fellow rednecks in punxsy will let you know this when you come to visit us :)

Posted by: nancy | January 28, 2010 06:15 PM

I am a resident of Punxsutawney. NO ONE in punxsy, and i guarantee you this, will be in favor of the change. This is our local tradition, and we will not change it. Phil has a better life than most people in Punxsy! Controlled clean air, a nice habitat, the best food and anything a Groundhog could want! hah. Thank you for the publicity of our town and our tradition though, PETA. but shouldnt you be worrying about the clubbing of seals or puppy mills instead?

Posted by: asdfadfa | January 28, 2010 06:49 PM

Kathleen...

Phil does not live alone, and he lives in the best habitat a critter such as himself could ever dream of. Might i suggest doing some research before saying anything about it. Visit Punxsy, go see Phils habitat and friends, then talk.

Posted by: alison | January 28, 2010 06:52 PM

Maybe they should give him a more natural environment but the people love him so much... Watching other domesticated animals and compare it, I think he's well doing and we have so much electronical stuff around, it wouldn't be the same. Let him do his work bringing his species closer to the people without substitute toys.

Posted by: Marnie | January 28, 2010 08:27 PM

alison, I think you are referring to the post by Carla* below mine. I agree with you and I've been to the library there many times. In this forum the author's name appears below there posts.

Posted by: Kathleen | January 28, 2010 08:57 PM

Some people wouldn't know a publicity stunt if it hit them in the acorns...

Posted by: Pam Ernest | January 28, 2010 09:39 PM

Groundhogs usually live from two to three years, but can live up to six years in the wild. In captivity, groundhogs can exceed this limit; by example, the 22-year-old Wiarton Willie may indicate the maximum lifespan. Common predators for groundhogs include wolves, coyotes, foxes, bobcats, bears, large hawks, owls, and dogs. Young groundhogs are often at risk for predation by snakes, which easily enter the burrow.

i think a groundhog such as phil or willie are lucky to have caring people to take care of them...if they were in the wild they wouldn't live as long, and would never see a vet nor get feed and cared for, these groundhogs are happy and healthy!!!

I am a huge animal lover, all my pets are unwanted and i have rescued each and everyone one...for someone to think that these groundhogs are being harmed in any such way is lack of education

Posted by: Marie | January 28, 2010 09:54 PM

Ok so we are taking Phil out of his natural life. But come on peta he gets the best of everything. He dont have to worry about being killed. He gets his food without fighting for it. What about zoos they keep all sorts of animals out of their natural enviroment. Why not replace all the animals in a zoo with robots. I love what you all do but come on this is absurd. If he gets sick he goes to the vet and he gets checked out every year no matter what. If you going to take away this tradition does that mean take away Christmas, Easter, ect. ARE YOU SERIOUS PETA!!!!!!

Posted by: Patty | January 28, 2010 09:59 PM

I agree that this spectacle is one of the dumbest events ever participated in by alleged intelligent humans but as long as it continues, leave them alone. The animal is not abused and probably lives better than some of you.

Posted by: Paul | January 29, 2010 07:50 AM

Phil it treated very good and if let go he would not make it in the wild. Why are all the left wingers trying to change this country and its American traditions. There are plenty of abused pets who need help. Leave phil alone!

Posted by: Bucko | January 29, 2010 08:08 AM

The current Phil would not be able to survive if released into the wild at this point, but I do not believe another should be obtained after this one's life has ended. I mean, the fact that this is a tradition does not make it right... traditions change, people change, towns change. The existence of this tradition teaches young children that animals exist for the amusement of humans. I feel that when I have children, I would like them to learn just the opposite.

Posted by: Alyssa | January 29, 2010 12:29 PM

Some are more concerned with the treatment of animals then the fact that countless babies are killed every year by abortion. Where is the outrage for that? I am an animal lover and despise cruelty to animals but it does not appear that this animal is being mistreated.

Posted by: peggy | January 29, 2010 12:42 PM

Peggy, I don't disagree with you but remember this is a group against cruelty to animals. There are other groups that are against abortion or other matters you are for and against. It gets annoying when people think that each one of these groups must care about all the issues out there. No they don't. There are groups for each issue. But no, I don't support PETA at all and never will. It was funny seeing this on my local news, even the news anchors laughed when they reported this.

Posted by: Inferi | January 29, 2010 02:11 PM

You must be kidding. Animatronic dinosaurs are used because, duh, dinosaurs are extinct! If we had real ones, we would use them whenever possible. Dolphins and penguins are high maintenance and expensive to house, so we use substitutes. A groundhog is very low maintenance, he is protected from predators and disease. What is your problem?

Posted by: Charles Higley | January 29, 2010 03:18 PM

youre denying the animals nature. groundhog's basic instincts set it for living underground, and hibernating for winter. This guy, even though he is VERY WELL taken care of, cannot do that. He's fed, has good living conditions etc etc, but he still is unable to do the things nature tells him he needs to: burrow, live in colonies, mate, etc etc.

so yeah, its not like hes being mistreated or beaten or anything like that, its just denying him the ability to live a normal natural groundhog life ONLY for the sake of our entertainment.

Some say its the same as having a pet. Which is kinda true, but dogs and cats are different. We've domesticated dogs and cats, and your normal pets like that for hundreds of years, to the point that we now HAVE to provide them with living conditions because they no longer have much natural instinct of their own through the conditioning. ground hogs are not this kind of animal. They have them at zoos and wildlife rehabilitation centers, but they are given as close to natural habitat conditions as possible, not alone in a cage.

Its things like this that people dont think about before they just go "what? we take care of it, peta is just being CRAZY!"

now the fact that they wanna replace it with an electric one like chuck-e-cheese IS kinda crazy, but the town would have a fit telling them to just get rid of the 'big event' that brings in tons of money altogether.

i saw someone stated that freeing them at this point into the wild would be dangerous because they arent used to the wild... but its kind of a catch 22, we would never have GOTTEN to this point had we not done this to the animals for our own entertainment to begin with. either way, i dont think its crazy to at least just give the animal things its very nature calls for. You wanna keep te groundhog, fine, but dont isolate it in a cage, give it some land, let it dig, give it some company!

Posted by: marc | January 29, 2010 04:24 PM

I think it is a good idea to retire Phil. Yeah, sure he is living a great life, but that life was not naturally meant to be for him. It would be like keeping a bear in your house to keep as a pet, when it should be in the wild. Phil is not a domesticated animal. He is a groundhog. Living with humans is not natural to a wild animal. It doesn't matter if they have lived with humans, starting with their generation, for years. Unless groundhogs are bred to be domesticated (And that should not happen, as that is the cause of so many homeless pets.), they should not be treated like pets. They are meant to be in the wild, no matter how fascinating they may be. The wild is their home.

Posted by: Bri | January 29, 2010 06:02 PM

I understand where y'all are coming from in a sense. But if they release him, he's not gonna know what to do and end up dying bc of it. He has been so pamperedfor so long I'm sure he doesn't remember what's it like to be a real groundhog again. And if they take him away from his job then he will really not be taken care of anymore. Which, to me, would be what we were trying to avoid in the first place.

Posted by: Erin | January 29, 2010 09:29 PM

I too think Peta is getting carried away. This tradition has gone on for over 100 years. If they have a robot to replace Phil, then the town of Punxatawney, you might as well say would be devastated. No one will travel to see a robot groundhog. Put your time and efforts into truly meaningful causes.

Posted by: Dianne | January 29, 2010 11:15 PM

punks-a-tony!!

Posted by: phil | January 30, 2010 03:03 AM

You guys are all stupid if you think this is a serious blog. Replacing him with a robot? If you actually believed that then you're stupid. PETA is trying to have a little fun.

Posted by: Dylan Fox | January 30, 2010 09:07 AM

This whole discussion really is silly. There are children in our country that don't get treated as well as Phil does! We are arguing about one day a year in this groundhog's life? It's not torture people! Although I don't personally see the importance of this holiday, i do see the tradition and unless you can come up with some proof that they are beating Phil to make spring come earlier, I really think there are better things to waste our time and money on.

Posted by: faith | January 31, 2010 08:02 PM

I am a monthly supporter of PETA, and I plan to continue my support and love for the organization. The good they do far out-weights a little silliness.

I am sternly opposed to tradition for traditions sake when the tradition is clearly violent and cruel: rodeos, bull fighting, circus, zoos, roadside exhibits, etc.

But when a tradition loves, cares for, and brings respect and honor to an animal, I will support it. Of course, I recognize an animal's inherent right to be free, nonetheless, it is situations like this that clearly show an animal worthy of adoration, respect, and protection.

When my dogs killed two groundhogs, I was heart broken--I now scan my yard before letting the dogs out. When I see groundhogs as road kill, I tear up. When I hear of situations where an animal is protected, loved and adored, I'm thrilled.

As me and my local activists demonstrate for protection for all animals, we are careful not to bring dishonor to our cause because it is not helpful to the animals.

Sorry PETA, I can't support you on this one.

Posted by: animal_voice | February 1, 2010 12:50 PM

Yes I do know that groundhog day is probably one of the stupidest events in Pennsylvania. I know first hand cause I live in Pittsburgh. But give me a break that groundhog is the most pampered groundhog in the world. Its just a groundhog. I could see if it was a dog or any other domesticated pet. Give it a break

Posted by: seth | February 1, 2010 01:59 PM

I am a Punxsutawney native and also a fan of Peta! You are stepping in our town's boundries! We have always have had "Phil" the live groundhog as long as I lived here and he gets treated better than some humans do as well. I think you need to keep your fur issues and animal cruelty issues apart from Punxsutawney, PA and Groundhog's day! No need for a Mechanical Groundhog!

Posted by: Jill Lewis | February 1, 2010 03:28 PM

@ animal_voice

putting a groundhound in a cage and making him perform in a ridiculous event/idiotic spectacle is is not respect, nor is it honor. it is the usual, mans hopelessly foolish and anthropocentric attempt at "dominion" over other species. this is one "tradition" that needs to be put out to pasture.

Posted by: vegancoin | February 1, 2010 04:38 PM

Phil the groundhog has always been a tradition and hopefully will continue to be the "real"deal enough said if peta is so worried about him being "abused" then it's time to protest wildlife sanctuarys, zoos and never mind that these institutions are working for the benefit of the animals but none the less are still in confined spaces and according to their logic are not roaming free therefore not suscumming to poachers, roadkill and death period. because this is their fate. peta should do some backchecking before going off on a tizzy.

Posted by: Raven | February 1, 2010 06:33 PM

Everyone who's arguing against letting Phil out into the wild is succumbing to a straw man fallacy. If you read the letter they sent (check the link in the article) it clearly states that they are offering assistance in finding a SANCTUARY for Phil. Learn to read, people!

Second, saying "there are more important things to worry about" is a classic derail. Feminists get it all the time, and it's used as an excuse to let injustice continue. Would you like it if every time you complained about something (losing your wallet, dropping a cell phone, etc.) someone sprang out and yelled "Oh yeah? Well some people are STARVING, so QUIT COMPLAINING!!!!" People are allowed to point out problems in society, even if they're not the biggest problem!

The point PETA is trying to make (as far as I can tell) is that we should not use animals against their will FOR OUR OWN AMUSEMENT. That's the issue here - our society's bizarre idea that because we CAN do whatever we want to animals that we SHOULD if we think it will make us money or make us happy. It's a selfish, backward mindset, and the sooner it goes away the better off we humans will be!

Posted by: Charlie | February 2, 2010 12:35 AM

I just saw a picture of a guy with a top hat in Punxsutawney holding up a ground hog with one hand. I felt for the ground hog, how frightened it must be and how unnecessary it was. So then I did a PETA search and found this, glad there is some awareness of this. I don't think we will come to a robotic ground hog in my lifetime, but I surely they could just quietly observe and not touch!

Posted by: Michelle | February 2, 2010 09:31 AM

Hey, instead of freaking out about a groundhog that gets special treatment - why doesn't Peta go after hunting? I live in PA...not far from Phils home and I'm so tired of seeing hunters all year around (in PA you can kill anything pretty much all year, which is sickening) trooping (trespassing) through my woods. Everywhere I drive there's someone with an orange hunting hat or vest during the fall and winter. I even have to see deer strapped to the back of cars and trucks on the highway. They can even hunt on Public grounds in this State. Soooo...let's focus on really saving animals huh? Stop hunting!!

Posted by: Ross Lawrence | February 2, 2010 09:53 AM

What about Wiarton Willie? Why not help him? Wiarton is my home town and I hate the whole festival and did even before getting involved in animal rights. There is so much seeediness around the thing. I highly doubt that the "original" Wiarton Willie died at 22 years old. The town was ALWAYS taking in any albino groundhog that was found. I know they had at least 6 of them at one time because a farmer found a whole litter of albinos. If one dies, they just bring out one of the spares. Then one year they ran out and had to admit that Willie was dead.

Posted by: Laura | February 2, 2010 11:14 AM

Is Pux Phil, a groundhog, sentient enough to know that he is in an artificial environment?

Suppose a groundhog is as smart as a house cat.

My house cats are technically prisoners, but they purr all day and have no worms, ticks, rabies, or malnutrition. They do not care about the great, freezing beyond. They are happy to live with nutritionally complete meals and belly rubs.

Posted by: Ken A | February 2, 2010 12:01 PM

I had to leave a comment, I had a Phil for a pet, Codo Bear. In Texas these ground hogs are sucked up into a vacuum or others us them for shooting practice, in Texas they are nothing but rats, I think Phil has it good, He's spoiled and loved. I would understand if he was abused but he's not, The whole town loves him. I know you all can't say you have never had a pet? Cat, Dog? If so Why? If you stick to your strict beliefs. “They” your pets should be free?!!!

I support peta , when fighting for animal abuse. But, Some of the thing that come up are just way out there?

I also hate to point out that some of these animals need to be Domesticated to Preserve their existence. Otherwise we will never see them again. There are more hunters than caretakers.

Posted by: Kim | February 2, 2010 12:40 PM

I have always been on the side of the animals. My whole life I've taken in strays that were dropped off in the area of PA where I grew up and I continue to do so today, but I have to say that although I usually agree with PETA on issues I do not back this one. Punxsutawney Phil has been a revered mascot of this town for a century. He is loved and taken care of there are animals who need PETA's assistance Phil is not one of them. Leave Phil alone and stop this charade that would effect a whole town's economy.

Posted by: Liam Gresh | February 2, 2010 01:08 PM

I also have to point out all animals are running out of room to be free, unless the people population is more under control all animal will be either pets or ornaments.

We should as a human race promote a license to have babies, If your willing to do this? Then you have the right to fight for freeing any animal. If there was more room on the earth, this wouldn’t be a problem.

When you come down to it, WE ARE THE PROBLEM!!!!! Too bad there isn’t another planet where just the animals can live, then you will all be happy.

I can't help to say this, Animals eat other animals RIGHT? Then what does that make us? ALIENS?
Our eyes are in the front, and our front teeth are sharp? Or is it aliens vs. predator?

Posted by: Kim | February 2, 2010 01:20 PM

Retire him! No debate. He doesn't need to live in a 2ft x 4ft cell anymore!

Posted by: Matthew | February 2, 2010 03:10 PM

Hello Matthew....he doesn't live in a 2X4 cell. Do your homework before you open your mouth dude. You will at least sound educated that way.

Posted by: Kathy | February 2, 2010 04:49 PM

Wouldn't it be possible to allow the tradition of Phil without keeping him caged year round on public display. Give the little guy a better home, but let him keep his job.

Posted by: Mark Powell | February 2, 2010 10:58 PM

Have you guys ever considered unionizing the groundhogs? Groundhog Performers Guild, or such. Just a thought.

Rock on PETA!

Posted by: Buck | February 3, 2010 12:44 AM

Out here in Alberta, Canada, we have our own Groundhog...his name is Balzac Billy. He is a person in a Groundhog mascot costume.
Not only is this a more humane way of celebrating the tradition of February 2nd, it also comes with a better result - he didn't see his shadow this year!

Posted by: Tamara Larter | February 3, 2010 01:10 AM

PETA, pick your battles more carefully. Replacing Phil with a robot is absolutely absurd. He lives in a library year-round with all the food and water that he needs, NOT in a tiny cage, and he probably lives more luxuriously than I do. When stories like this come out on national TV, it causes people to lose faith and PETA isn't taken as seriously.

Posted by: Amal Dadi | February 3, 2010 06:00 PM

Adam says:
"Is living at a library with children that love him and show him affection that horrible..."

A wild animal on display in some library with screaming little brats banging on the cage, mommies flashing photos of their brats and the caged in animal while the daddies get together and brag of the size of the last one they bagged, and pointing out on Phil to their older sons where to shoot to get the groundhogs to die the best way is what life Phil is stuck living. Yes its horrible.

Posted by: carolyn king | February 7, 2010 10:35 AM

Some of the people commenting on this are in need of a reality check. People are saying "its not cruel" and "he has everything he would ever need." That is ridiculous! He is a wild animal living in a library. That is like you being forced to stay in your room your whole life, but you get all the food and water you need, and you get a doctor to visit you if you are doing bad. Additionally, you have ugly little brats outside you window looking at you like you are an exhibit, and taking pictures of you misery. Another frequent comment made by those laking common sense is "come on peta, pick your battles, stop wasting your time on this and help animals really in help." Peta isnt spending 10 million dollars and 2 months of their time on this project, they wrote an article on THEIR website about an injustice happening to an innocent creature. Now only make a comment if you dont need special help!

Posted by: William | February 8, 2010 07:55 PM

@William
I see a simple solution to all of this. Simply use a groundhog that needs to be rehabilitated but can't be released into the wild and give it the best damn accommodations ever.

The groundhog gets to live out a longer and cushy life it wouldn't be able to itself in the wild and PETA can shut up knowing the groundhog is getting treated well. End of story.

Posted by: Manic Monkey | February 9, 2010 09:18 PM