PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. (EYT) – Pennsylvania’s world-famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, predicted an early spring after emerging from his burrow without seeing his shadow this morning in the Pennsylvania Wilds.
Thousands of fans watched as Phil made his highly anticipated weather prognostication, commemorating 130 years of Pennsylvania’s unique Groundhog Day tradition. According to holiday folklore, if the groundhog emerges in the early morning on February 2 and does not see his shadow, there will be an early spring.
If he sees his shadow, six more weeks of wintry weather are expected. The annual event that started with a small group of men known as the Inner Circle now attracts up to 30,000 visitors to Punxsutawney, Jefferson County, located about 80 miles northeast of Pittsburgh in the Pennsylvania Wilds region.
Home to millions of acres of unspoiled forests and mountains, as well as the largest freeroaming elk herd in the eastern United States, the Pennsylvania Wilds region is composed of 12 distinct and beautiful counties, each with its own heritage, character, charm and outdoor adventure. This region is where visitors can find breathtaking views, thousands of miles of waterways, more than 1,600 miles of trails, 29 state parks and plenty of wildlife.
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