Punxsutawney Phil Arrest Warrant: New Hampshire Police Seeks Groundhog As Snow Continues

Punxsutawney Phil has a bounty on his head after New Hampshire police issued a warrant for his arrest, following the unprecedented amounts of snow piled up all over New England.

It’s true that on Groundhog Day, Punxsutawney Phil predicted six additional weeks of winter, much to northeast residents’ despair. However, nothing was said about the seemingly unending snow storms that have pounded Boston and other areas in New England since last month.

One of the most active winters in recent memory — with Punxsutawney Phil promising even more to come — New England is having a hard time handling the mountains of snow. So much so that they are blaming the famous creature. In an effort to lighten the mood, as residents deal with yet another storm, the Merrimack Police Department is threatening the groundhog with arrest on Facebook.

“We know we are a day early, however we here at Merrimack Police felt compelled to let the public know that there is a warrant for Punxsutawney Phil! We have received several complaints from the public that this little varmint is held up in a hole, warm and toasty. He told several people that winter would last six more weeks, however he failed to disclose that it would consist of mountains of snow! If you see him, do not approach him as he is armed and dangerous. Call Merrimack Police, we will certainly take him into custody!”

The funny post about Punxsutawney Phil’s arrest warrant has prompted several equally funny comments left by residents of the area.

“I think I spotted him going into the DW Diner. I was too scared to approach him as he had his posse with him — Cupid (Slim C), the Easter Bunny (E the Rat), and I think I even saw St. Patrick (Green Hand Luke). Be careful out there! The last person to try and take down the Ground Hog is most likely swimming with the fishes in the Merrimack river,” Kimchi Reichard states.

Despite the hilarity of the post, some don’t see much humor in it and argue New England residents are just whining and snow is to be expected in the winter. Whether Merrimack police will actually come up with a physical arrest of Punxsutawney Phil remains to be seen, but it wouldn’t be surprising if they carry out the deed.

[Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images News]