New jersey lawmakers push to allow import of woodchucks for groundhog day

TRENTON, NJ – The New Jersey Assembly Regulated Professions Committee has given a favorable report on Assembly Bill No. 4296, which proposes an exemption to the state’s existing ban on woodchuck importation specifically for Groundhog Day celebrations. This legislative move comes as a response to the needs of counties and municipalities facing difficulties in replacing deceased local groundhogs, essential to their annual festivities.

Under the terms of Bill A4296, the exemption would allow for the importation of a woodchuck if a county’s or municipality’s designated groundhog for Groundhog Day passes away. The bill mandates that efforts must first be made to source a replacement woodchuck within New Jersey or from a state where raccoon rabies, a variant of the disease, is not endemic.

Additionally, the bill outlines responsibilities for the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, including notifying local governments of the exemption, providing guidelines on the replacement process, and setting standards for the relocation or importation of woodchucks. It also mandates the establishment of standards for proper housing and handling of woodchucks under the care of local authorities.

This legislation aims to balance public health concerns associated with wildlife importation and the cultural importance of Groundhog Day celebrations. If passed, it would enable communities to continue their traditional events without interruption while ensuring the safety and well-being of both the animals and the public.

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