Did you know that groundhogs, or woodchucks, are the largest members of the squirrel family in most of North America? Did you also know that unlike other ground squirrels, groundhogs hibernate during the winter months?
Even though many Americans will come out to witness the Groundhog's Day festivities, or catch them on television, they may not even know that the "tradition" of pulling a groundhog out its burrow is disrupting its natural hibernation cycle. Don't you think it's time to stop disturbing these innocent animals for our amusement, simply because it is "tradition", and instead focus on their wellbeing? Isn’t all that collective energy and excitement, the large gatherings of people, and many others watching on TV a waste of collaboration and human interest?
This year's festivities may have come and gone, but by signing this petition, you are asking that future Groundhog's Day celebrations should be about spreading knowledge about these fascinating creatures and not exploiting them. More than that, there could be a general rising of animal rights awareness, of course Groundhogs will be at the center of these future festivals, though children and adults could be educated about animal rights and also the scientific aspects of groundhogs, and also how certain weather patterns actually help us predict climate changes. All while still holding normal festival activities, festival fun and games can be educational, instead of harmful.
Doesn't that seem like a better use of people's time and money, rather than partaking in a silly tradition that even small children know is completely fictional and unnecessary?
