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.
