‘Cruel tradition’: PETA calls on Wiarton to end live groundhog predictions

PETA is calling on Wiarton to not replace Willie with another live groundhog following the death of Wiarton Willie last week. CTV’s Scott Miller explains.

Wiarton Willie has been predicting Ontario’s winter weather for more than seven decades, but the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is calling for an end to the ceremony’s use of a live groundhog.

Following Wiarton Willie’s death on March 10, PETA says now is the time to transition Wiarton’s Groundhog Day Prediction ceremony away from the use of a live groundhog, towards more ethical options.

“With the passing of Wiarton Willie, the time is now for the town of South Bruce Peninsula to set an example, and show respect for all wildlife, by ending this cruel tradition,” says Emily Lively, counsel and marine mammal lead for PETA.

“We hope they’ll consider some humane alternatives, such as 3D holographic projections or an animatronic groundhog, or any other alternative that doesn’t involve taking yet another live groundhog out of their natural environment to be used as a prop,” says Lively.

PHOTO GALLERY: Wiarton Willie Festival 2026

The Town of South Bruce Peninsula declined to comment on PETA’s most recent recommendation, but shortly following his death, town officials stressed how well Willie was cared for, and how they were already starting the search for the next ‘Willie.’

“Willie has always been really well cared for, and brings so much joy to residents and visitors alike. And while we’re sad to say goodbye, we will be looking for a new weather prognosticator, to continue this beloved tradition for years to come,” said Danielle Edwards, South Bruce Peninsula manager of economic development, shortly after Willie’s death.

Wiarton has had many albino groundhogs perform prediction ceremony duties over the past 70 years. Since 2017, three groundhogs have been brought on stage to predict the winter forecast, but before that, the same Willie did the job for 13 consecutive years. Groundhogs usually live three to five years in the wild, but do tend to live longer in captivity.

“There have been over 50 cities and towns worldwide that have already transitioned to more humane alternatives for their Groundhog Day celebrations. Many of these places actually use human mascots dressed up in groundhog costumes. We hope that South Bruce Peninsula will consider setting an example in being the next town to make this positive, progressive change,” said Lively.