Groundhog Day Canceled in Milltown Again
Some things are very necessary if you’re planning an event. For example, if you’re having a pizza party, you’re going to need to have some pizza. Similarly, when you plan a fun day of bowling, you’ll need to make sure you have access to at least one bowling ball.
That is why Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania’s first item on their Groundhog Day checklist is a groundhog. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for Milltown, New Jersey. They may be able to get some pizza or a bowling ball, but they’re having trouble locating a groundhog.
Actually, it’s a sad story. Milltown celebrated Groundhog Day for many years with Milltown Mel. Mel was their annual rodent for a long time, but unfortunately, he passed away in 2021, leaving Central Jersey’s Milltown without a marmot for their celebration.
Reason Why Milltown Can’t Get a Groundhog
Again this year, the fifth year in a row, Milltown won’t be able to celebrate Groundhog Day for 2025. The reason given is due to local laws preventing them from getting a new February 2nd furry friend. New Jersey law prohibits importing any animals that can carry rabies.
As reported by The Patch, there is one exemption that says “provided that every effort is made to replace the groundhog with a woodchuck found in the State or imported from a state in which a variant of rabies other than raccoon rabies is not endemic as provided for in the bill.”
Until the law is changed, it looks like Milltown won’t be able to bring back its yearly tradition.
In other groundhog news, PETA has a clever idea for Milltown, New Jersey official, or any town that wants to use real groundhogs for their celebrations. PETA suggests replacing groundhogs with a vegan weather reveal cake.
The cake would have blue or pink filling to “reveal” either Winter or Spring predictions. PETA says groundhogs are very shy and prefer to avoid humans. Subjecting them to crowds, noise, and flashing lights is cruel. Officials in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, say, “Thanks, but no thanks, we’re good.” Maybe one New Jersey town will make a bakery stop for February 2nd.