tag:reuters.com,2024:newsml_UP1EK69197M8B:1330809505
(Trenton, NJ) — New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy’s veto of a groundhog bill is jeopardizing some of the state’s Groundhog Day celebrations.
Ever since the death of Milltown Mel in 2021, that Middlesex County town has faced legal obstacles trying to replace Mel. State rules ban the importation of wild animals over rabies concerns. Milltown was hoping a bill passed this month would help, allowing for limited out-of-state groundhog imports. But Governor Murphy has vetoed it, so Milltown’s Groundhog Day festivities could be shut down.
Now, the search for a New Jersey-born groundhog is underway with hopes of finding one by February 2nd.
