• Gov. Josh Shapiro responds defiantly to PETA's proposal to replace Punxsutawney Phil with a vegan cake.
• PETA suggests a "Weather Reveal" cake to signal seasonal changes instead of using the groundhog.
• Punxsutawney Phil continues to predict the weather, seeing his shadow on Groundhog Day 2025.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has openly rejected calls from PETA to retire the famous groundhog Punxsutawney Phil, who is traditionally used to forecast the weather during the annual Groundhog Day celebration. PETA proposed replacing Phil with a large vegan "Weather Reveal" cake, which they claim would provide a more humane way to engage in the spring-predicting rituals.

PETA's president Ingrid Newkirk outlined their plan in an open letter, suggesting that if Phil were retired to a sanctuary, they would offer an annual vegan cake that, depending on its color when cut, would indicate whether winter would continue or spring was on its way. "If the inside of the cake is blue, there will be six more weeks of winter. If it’s pink, there will be an early spring,” wrote Newkirk, calling this idea a “fun play on viral gender reveal videos” that would still attract tourists without harming Phil.

Shapiro's emphatic response on social media stated, "Come and take it," signaling his staunch defense of the tradition, which has been celebrated for 139 years. He reinforced his commitment to protecting Phil, saying, "If anybody comes for Phil, they’re gonna have to come through me and all of you." Press secretary Manuel Bonder echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of keeping the tradition alive.

As locals and tourists gathered at Gobbler's Knob for the event, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, forecasting six more weeks of winter. This classic event is steeped in history and has drawn considerable attention over the years, including PETA's earlier suggestions that included replacing the groundhog with a giant thermometer. Shapiro’s rejection of the latest proposal signifies a deep-rooted appreciation for this quirky Pennsylvania tradition.

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