New Jersey’s Groundhog Day problem is real, and it’s getting worse.
Since the death of Milltown Mel in 2021, the central New Jersey borough has been unable to replace its famous forecasting groundhog because of an obscure NJ law. State rules ban the import of wild animals because of rabies concerns. The ban has left Milltown without a replacement for their beloved groundhog Mel and after the latest news, it’ll get even harder to replace her.
The NJ legislature passed a bill that would allow limited out-of-state groundhog imports for traditional Groundhog Day celebrations. However, when it hit Governor Phil Murphy’s desk, he vetoed it. The decision effectively blocks towns like Milltown from reviving their events with live animals, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Of course, Punxsutawney Phil, the Pennsylvania-based groundhog, has become the adopted woodchuck for many, but small towns like Milltown have enjoyed holding their own festivities for years.
The veto leaves event organizers with few options. Most groundhogs are hibernating this time of year, breeding is increasingly rare, and wildlife laws prohibit testing animals for rabies unless they are euthanized. Zoos and in-state rescues have not been able to fill the gap.
Milltown’s once-popular Groundhog Day celebration drew crowds, costumes, and was a point of local pride. Now, for the fifth straight year, they will be groundhog-less.
A replacement could happen, but time is running out. Without a regulatory workaround—or an available groundhog born and raised in New Jersey—Milltown’s winter tradition could shutter entirely.
“Defending these State interests can pose obstacles to obtaining a permit to import wildlife from outside New Jersey, which may understandably frustrate communities that engage in celebrations traditionally involving wildlife,” Gov. Murphy said in a statement included in his veto notice. “However, the State must uphold its obligation to protect the people and animals of New Jersey.”
2026 Groundhog Day is on Monday, February 2
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.