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Animal Rights Group Calls to Replace Viral Groundhog With Vegan Cake

Sideline Punxsutawney Phil? Pennsylvania governor had four words for the PETA activists.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro is stepping in to defend Punxsutawney Phil after PETA called to replace the beloved animal—and Groundhog Day icon—with a vegan cake. Last week, the group wrote to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club and asked that Phil be retired from his high-stakes gig—if he sees his shadow upon leaving his burrow, winter will continue for a few more weeks. If he doesn’t, spring comes early. Their solution to the Feb. 2 event, and to give Phil a break from his weather-predicting pressure? A gender reveal cake, except for the seasons: Blue for six more weeks of winter, or pink for early spring. Shapiro: had four words for the animal rights activists, however: “Come and take it.” (But really, please do not attempt to steal Punxsatawney Phil.) The tradition of Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania has been taking place since the 1880s; the event draws thousands of visitors and news agencies every year to how Phil’s feeling. Last year, PETA offered a giant gold coin to the club—to flip in a spring/summer coin toss—instead of using Phil.