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Who is Punxsutawney Phil?

Punxsutawney Phil is a groundhog who lives in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. He is famous for his annual Groundhog Day prediction on February 2nd.

Here's the legend:

* If Phil sees his shadow, it means six more weeks of winter.

* If he doesn't see his shadow, spring will arrive early.

The Groundhog Day tradition:

* Started in the 1800s with German immigrants who believed that a groundhog emerging from its burrow on Candlemas Day (February 2nd) could predict the weather.

* Punxsutawney Phil became the official groundhog for the celebration in 1887.

* Every year, Phil is awakened from his burrow and carried to a designated spot.

* A crowd gathers and waits for the "prognostication" (prediction) from the Inner Circle, a group of people who "interpret" Phil's actions.

Phil's accuracy:

* While considered a fun tradition, Phil's predictions are not scientifically accurate.

* He's only been right about half the time.

Phil's status:

* Punxsutawney Phil is a celebrity, with his own website, Facebook page, and even a documentary.

* He is considered a national icon and draws thousands of visitors to Punxsutawney each year for Groundhog Day.

Fun fact:

* Phil is said to live for 130 human years.

Comedy

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