Gov. Phil Murphy has vetoed a bill that would have eased New Jersey’s strict rules banning out-of-state animals from being imported into the Garden State and used for Groundhog Day celebrations.
The bill, rejected earlier this week, would have helped the tiny Middlesex County borough of Milltown find a groundhog for its 2026 celebration.
Milltown has canceled its Groundhog Day festivities for the past four years because of its inability to find a furry critter to take center stage in its longtime traditional event after its hometown woodchuck, known as Milltown Mel, died.
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A bill that had been approved by state lawmakers would have cleared a path for Milltown, and other towns, to find a groundhog from out of state.
Murphy said he vetoed the measure out of concerns for public safety because of the risk of rabies spreading to other wildlife or to humans.
In rejecting the bill on Monday, the governor also sided with sentiments from the state Division of Fish and Wildlife, expressing concern about the treatment of groundhogs used in public celebrations.
“The NJDFW must maintain its focus on protecting and managing wildlife, which includes ensuring that animals are not kept under conditions that infringe on their natural behaviors and environment,” Murphy wrote.
The governor said his veto should not stop towns from holding Groundhog Day celebrations. He said he encourages supporters of the bill to discuss viable options with the Division of Fish and Wildlife.
Organizers of the annual Milltown Groundhog Day festivities have not yet publicly announced whether they are planning to hold any event on Feb. 2, or whether they will wait another year to do it.