Animal rights organization PETA is calling for a major change to the annual Groundhog Day tradition, proposing that the long-standing practice of using a live groundhog to predict the weather be replaced with a cake-based reveal. The group argues that the continued use of Punxsutawney Phil, the famous groundhog at the center of the tradition, is outdated and unnecessary.
PETA’s proposal suggests that instead of waiting for Phil to emerge from his burrow to determine whether winter will continue, event organizers could use a cake with an inside color reveal—light for an early spring or dark for six more weeks of winter. The organization claims this alternative would be more humane and still provide an engaging experience for spectators.
The push to remove live animals from holiday celebrations is part of PETA’s broader effort to advocate for ethical treatment of wildlife. The group has previously criticized the conditions in which Punxsutawney Phil and other groundhogs used in similar events are kept, arguing that they experience stress from being handled and displayed before large crowds.
Organizers of the traditional Groundhog Day event have not indicated any plans to change the format, maintaining that Phil is well cared for and serves as a beloved cultural symbol. However, the debate over whether to modernize the event continues, with animal welfare groups pushing for alternative methods that remove live animals from the equation.