Inner Circle President Bill Deeley shows Punxsutawney Phil to tourists a day before Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, Pa., on Monday, Feb. 1, 2016. Members of the Inner Circle planned to reveal their forecast at sunrise Tuesday. A German legend says that if a furry rodent sees his shadow on Feb. 2, winter will last an additional six weeks. If not, spring comes early. In reality, Philâs âpredictionâ is decided ahead of time by the group. (Mark Pynes/PennLive.com via AP)
The Associated Press
PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. (AP) - The handlers of Pennsylvania's most famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, say the furry rodent has failed to see his shadow, meaning he has "predicted" an early spring.
Members of the top hat-wearing Inner Circle announced the "forecast" at sunrise, just before 7:30 a.m. Tuesday.
A German legend has it that if a furry rodent sees his shadow on Feb. 2, winter will last another six weeks. If not, spring comes early.
In reality, Phil's prediction is decided ahead of time by the group on Gobbler's Knob, about 65 miles northeast of Pittsburgh.
Records going back to 1887 show Phil has now predicted more winter 102 times while forecasting an early spring just 18 times. There are no records for the remaining years.
In New York, Staten Island Chuck agrees with Phil; an early spring is coming.
The groundhog did not see his shadow as he emerged from his home at the Staten Island Zoo early Tuesday.
Visitors look through the windows at the Punxsutawney Public Library where groundhogs are on display at "Phil's Burrow" in Punxsutawney, Pa., Monday, Feb. 1, 2016. Thousands of people come to Punxsutawney for the annual celebration of Groundhog Day on Gobbler's Knob on Feb. 2. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
The Associated Press
Wooden carvings of top hat wearing groundhogs are for sale at an annual craft show in the square in Punxsutawney, Pa., Monday, Feb. 1, 2016. That is part of the town's annual celebration of Groundhog Day on Feb. 2. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
The Associated Press
A group of visitors pose for pictures and take selfies with the "Punxsutawney Phil" mascot outside the public library in Punxsutawney, Pa., Monday, Feb. 1, 2016. Thousands of people come to Punxsutawney for the annual celebration of Groundhog Day on Gobbler's Knob on Feb. 2. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
The Associated Press