NJ Groundhog Dies Before Groundhog Day, Event Now Canceled

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — New Jersey's weather-predicting groundhog, Milltown Mel, has died before his annual big day.

His death was announced on his official Facebook page on Sunday. "We Wranglers are sad to report that Milltown Mel recently crossed over the rainbow bridge. Considering the average lifespan of a Groundhog is about 3 years, that is not such a shock, but Mel left us at a tough time of year, when most of his fellow groundhogs are hibernating."

The group said this year's event is canceled as they didn't have time to find a replacement. "We tried everywhere to get a stand-in, but to no avail," the group said.

"We will work hard on getting us a new weather prognosticator for next year, till then please check out what all of Mel's cousins have to say on Feb 2nd."

Last year, Milltown Mel predicted an early spring when he failed to see his shadow at the Milltown American Legion.

While Punxsutawney Phil is more famous, Mel was quite a star in New Jersey.

Every February, John McNamara, who now owns Bronson & Guthlein Funeral Home in Milltown, takes the local groundhog out of his pen out back behind the funeral home, and sees whether the animal can predict if spring is coming.

McNamara and other attendees also dress in turn-of-the-century garb for the event. It's a very popular occasion in Milltown, and crowds start gathering at 6 a.m. at the American Legion every year to see whether Mel sees his shadow or not. McNamara later treats everyone to hot coffee and doughnuts upstairs at the lodge.

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