Shadowy Figure Predicts Longer Winter

PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. — Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his burrow in a western Pennsylvania hillside Saturday, cast a glance over his right shoulder and saw the legendary shadow that means at least six more weeks of winter.

The forecast was met by a chorus of boos from nearly 1,000 spectators who had shivered in light snow and a temperature of 20 degrees to see Phil come out of hibernation.

The character of Punxsutawney Phil, represented by various groundhogs during the last 98 years, has failed to see his shadow only five times. His followers contend that he has never been wrong.

Newlywed Cherie Morris Shechter, 34, was unimpressed.

“It’s my honeymoon. This was his idea,” she said, pointing an accusing finger at her husband, Steve, 35. “This is going to cost him a month in Hawaii.”