Punxsutawney Phil

The Ground Hog in Punxsutawney Pennsylvania has emerged to see his shadow, a sign that means winter will last another six weeks.
Tradition holds that if he casts a shadow on February 2, winter will last another six weeks. If no shadow is seen, legend says spring will come early.

Has this critter ever NOT seen his shadow?

"Staten Island Chuck", one of several “Johnny Come Lately” critters did not see his shadow. So western Pennsylvania gets six more weeks of winter and New York gets an early spring… That’s going to be one interesting weather system for two neighboring states?

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals [PETA] has criticized the event for traumatizing the groundhog and says Phil should be replaced with a robot.
[ A “Terminator” Groundhog? Glowing red eyes and all! ]

It would almost seem that PETA and the reported throngs of people gathered to witness the event, might just have too much time on their hands.
With all the media coverage and floodlights… one might question the accuracy.

With the many ways we’ve screwed Mother Nature over the years, chances are pretty good, it may be time to tweak the tradition.

In any event, happy Ground Hog Day!

Winter is nature's way of saying, "Up yours." ~Robert Byrne