PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. (WJAC) -- The president of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) is calling for Punxsutawney Phil to retire and be replaced with an animatronic version of the groundhog.

The Inner Circle says it found out about PETA's letter from the media and adds that the idea of replacing Punxsutawney Phil with a groundhog with artificial intelligence is outrageous.

PETA sent a letter to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club calling for Punxsutawney Phil to retire ahead of Groundhog Day.

It suggested the infamous groundhog be replaced with an animatronic version of Phil ahead of Sunday’s prediction.

According to PETA, groundhogs are prey species and do not like to be around humans.

They say that groundhogs should live in a natural habitat in the wild.

Bill Deeley, president of the Groundhog Club, questions the timing of PETA's letter, however.

Deeley says he believes in the mission of PETA, but that the club is in no way abusing Phil.

He says Phil is well taken care of and if PETA doesn't believe that, it should come see for itself.

One resident here in Punxsutawney says PETA's request for Phil to retire is outrageous.

"If they would take that away and replace it with a robot, I think that would be absolutely insane,” says Olivia Wright, a Punxsutawney native.

Despite how PETA feels, Phil has a special place in the Inner Circle's heart.

"Phil, you're our hero and always will be,” says Deeley.

The Inner Circle says Groundhog Day will continue for many years to come.

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