Groundhogs are everywhere in Punxsutawney

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(Gallery by Sean Simmers | ssimmers@pennlive.com)

PITTSBURGH — An Ohio prosecutor who has lightheartedly filed charges against the famous Pennsylvania groundhog who fraudulently "predicted" an early spring says he may consider a pardon now that the animal's handler is taking the blame.

Punxsutawney Phil, the weather-predicting groundhog

That's right, Bill Deeley, president of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club's Inner Circle, says the animal rightly predicted six more weeks of winter but Deeley tells The Associated Press he mistakenly announced an early spring because he failed to correctly interpret Phil's "groundhog-ese."

Julia Hatmaker: I never gave up hope in Punxsutawney Phil

Butler County, Ohio prosecutor, Mike Gmoser tells the AP he's reconsidering the charges in light of the new evidence and may issue a full pardon.

The Groundhog Day celebration in Punxsutawney attracts worldwide attention each year.

Deeley says the prosecutor's indictment of Phil has generated more publicity than a $10,000 ad campaign.