PETA’s push to retire Punxsutawney Phil sparks rare bipartisan backlash

By Fox News · Fox News

Pennsylvania Democrats and Republicans are finding rare common ground — defending Punxsutawney Phil from animal rights activists. Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) and GOP lawmakers are jointly rejecting pressure from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) to retire the famed groundhog after he predicted six more weeks of winter on Monday. Shapiro amplified the moment on social media by posting an image of a yellow Gadsden flag — a symbol associated with conservative politics and the 2010s Tea Party movement — but with the typical snake replaced by a groundhog. GROUNDHOG DAY: PUNXSUTAWNEY PHIL MAKES 140TH WEATHER PREDICTION Meanwhile, the leader of the Pennsylvania House Republican caucus told Fox News Digital that PETA’s latest idea, to replace Phil with a groundhog hologram , is off base. "PETA lacks as much good taste as they do credibility here. Punxsutawney Phil and the celebration of Groundhog Day are core parts of what it means to be Pennsylvanian and are cherished by the nation," said House Minority Leader Jesse Topper of Bedford. "On top of that, Phil is treated like royalty , and rightfully so," Topper said, referencing his spacious library digs that also include a large window allowing sunlight and the smiles of passersby. "It sounds like it is time PETA be forcibly retired from bad takes and outlandish viewpoints." In a statement, PETA said it wants to give Groundhog Day a "much-needed glow-up." "Retire Phil to a reputable sanctuary with his family, and we’ll provide a giant, state-of-the-art, 3-D projection hologram of a groundhog along with a vocal prognostication to light up the Gobbler’s Knob stage," PETA said in a statement. Pennsylvania Deputy Tourism Secretary Anne Ryan said in a statement that Punxsutawney Phil "draws national and international attention" to Pennsylvania every year. "Six more weeks of winter means more time to enjoy everything that makes this season special — from skiing and snowboarding to cozy small towns, historic sites, and…