Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his stump at Gobbler's Knob this morning and did not see his shadow thus predicting an early spring. The annual Feb. 2 ritual has been taking place about 85 miles northeast of Pittsburgh since the late 19th century. It "has roots in 'ancient, undoubtedly prehistoric, weather lore,'" according to the
The spotlight returns to Gobbler's Knob in western Pennsylvania this week, when handlers of a groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil will announce his verdict six more weeks of winter or an early spring