Punxsutawney Phil says it so it must be true: early spring for USA!

The handlers of Pennsylvania’s most famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, say the furry rodent has failed to see his shadow, meaning he has predicted an early spring.

Groundhog Club co-handler John Griffiths holds Punxsutawney Phil during the annual celebration of Groundhog Day on Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pa., Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2016. Image by (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

Members of the top hat-wearing Inner Circle announced the forecast at sunrise, just before 7.30am local time.

A German legend has it that if a furry rodent sees his shadow on February 2, winter will last another six weeks. If not, spring comes early.

In reality, Phil’s prediction is decided ahead of time by the group on Gobbler’s Knob. The tiny hill is located just outside the town for which he is named about 65 miles north-east of Pittsburgh.

Records going back to 1887 show Phil has now predicted more winter 102 times while forecasting an early spring just 18 times. There are no records for the remaining years.

Shubenacadie Sam looks through the fence after emerging from his burrow at the wildlife park in Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia, on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2016. Nova Scotia’s Shubenacadie Sam didn’t see his shadow. Image by (Andrew Vaughan/The Canadian Press via AP)

In New York, Staten Island Chuck agrees with Phil; an early spring is coming.

The groundhog did not see his shadow as he emerged from his home at the Staten Island Zoo early on Tuesday.

(Press Association)