While many enjoy the Groundhog ceremony, this year People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is calling on the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club to let Phil retire.

In a letter sent this week, PETA has suggested replacing him with a robotic groundhog.

The organisation said Phil’s retirement is “long overdue” and that groundhogs “actively avoid humans” as it causes them stress.

PETA wrote: “When Phil is dragged out of his hole and held up to flashing lights and crowds, he has no idea what’s happening.

“Being relegated to a library ‘habitat’ for the other days of the year doesn’t allow him or the other groundhogs there to dig, burrow, or forage.”