As eager Americans glance toward Feb. 2, awaiting the news of seasonal change from the most adored rodent forecaster in history, an anxious question arises — is Punxsutawney Phil the target of terrorists?

"The probability of there being an attack is very remote," said Stuart Bremer, professor of political science at Penn State.

Bremer believes the Statue of Liberty and other historically rich monuments to be at a greater risk than Phil and the accompanying festivities of Groundhog Day.

"As beloved as he might be, it wouldn't be a strike at the heart of America," Bremer added.

Pennsylvania State Trooper Jamie LeVier, head of security for the yearly event that takes place atop Gobbler's Knob, feels the fuss over increased security for Phil has been misplaced.

"A lot of stuff has been blown out of proportion by the media," LeVier

said. "We're not increasing security because of what happened on Sept. 11."

LeVier explained that the increase in security for the festivity is merely in response to the gradual yearly growth of the influx of people attending the spectacle as they await Phil's weather verdict.

"We're experiencing larger crowds lately," he said. "Groundhog Day falls on a Friday night and Saturday morning this year, so we expect a large crowd."

LeVier estimated the increase in state troopers patrolling the area to be "a handful at most."

LeVier emphasized the focus of the patrollers would heavily concentrate on the detection of alcoholic beverages on Gobbler's Knob, the headquarters for the celebration. Gobbler's Knob is an alcohol-free zone during the festival, LeVier added.

"There's no parking on Gobbler's Knob, so everyone is bused to the area," LeVier said. "We'll be searching all bags, backpacks and carry-on."

Any items deemed illegal by security will be immediately confiscated, LeVier said. "Our number one priority is to ensure everyone's safety."

Due to the firm security measures, LeVier expects to encounter very few problems from the crowd.

"It's hard to project any problems. It's been real good the last few years," LeVier said.

State College Police Sgt. John Wilson was unsure as to how he would handle the task of providing security for Groundhog Day attendees if placed in that position, but made it clear he agrees with LeVier's precautions.

"It's a good idea," he said. "Any time you have large crowds of people, it's prudent to make things secure."