Carroll 1
Sarah Carroll
Dr. Jan Czarnecki
ENGL 102
Punxsutawney Phil: The Weather Predicting Groundhog
Punxsutawney Phil is the name given to a line of groundhogs that reside at Gobbler’s
Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. The legend is that he can predict the upcoming weather. If
he sees his shadow; it is said that we will have six more weeks of winter. However, if he does not
see his shadow; it is an early spring! Punxsutawney Phil’s first prediction was February 2, 1887.
His forecast that year was for six more weeks of winter.
Since the average life span of a ground hog is 6 years, it is not known how many
groundhogs have played the part of Punxsutawney Phil. Some believe Punxsutawney Phil gets
his longevity from drinking one sip of a secret recipe called “groundhog punch.” This sip is given
every summer at the groundhog picnic. 1
The men that care for Punxsutawney Phil are called the Inner Circle. They are
recognizable by their top hats and tuxedos. They care for Punxsutawney Phil, his wife Phillis,
and their daughter Phelicia. When Punxsutawney Phil makes his debut on February 2nd and
emerges from his burrow; he makes his prediction known to the Groundhog Club President in
Groundhogese. The Groundhog Club President then translates that message for all to hear.1
In 2013, a court in Butler County, Ohio found Punxsutawney Phil guilty and sentenced
him to death. This indictment alleged that Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow, causing the
citizens of Ohio to expect and early spring that never arrived2. “The offense is an Unclassified
