Why New Jersey Is Running Out of Groundhogs
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- Milltown Mel, the groundhog known for Groundhog Day predictions in New Jersey, died in late 2021, and efforts to replace him have been hindered by state officials due to rabies concerns.
- A newborn groundhog imported from Tennessee was seized by authorities over fears of an exotic rabies strain, preventing it from becoming the new Milltown Mel.
- Governor Philip D. Murphy vetoed a bill that would have eased the importation of groundhogs from other states, citing the risk of rabies as too high.
- Despite the veto, Governor Murphy encouraged municipalities to continue their Groundhog Day traditions without importing animals from rabies-endemic states.
- Milltown Assemblyman Sterley S. Stanley remains
