Why Groundhog Day Is No Holiday for Animals

Published January 26, 2016 by PETA Staff. Last Updated February 2, 2026.

< 1 min read

Groundhog Day is no holiday for the animals forced to “perform” in front of large crowds, exposed to flash photography and loud noise.

Groundhogs are naturally shy, sensitive prey animals who react poorly when handled in front of raucous crowds, as evidenced by a groundhog named Jimmy biting a Wisconsin mayor’s ear at the 67^th annual Sun Prairie Groundhog Day celebration.

Punxsutawney Phil, the groundhog used for a Groundhog Day celebration in Pennsylvania every year, is forced to be on display year-round for tourists to gawk at, and is denied the opportunity to prepare for and enter yearly hibernation.

This year, PETA is calling on the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club’s president, Tom Dunkel, to get with the times and switch to animal-free entertainment with a dazzling 3D holographic display. We’ll provide the equipment. All he has to do is agree to let Phil and his family retire to a reputable sanctuary.

Help Free Phil & His Family!