The groundhog community and residents of Milltown, N.J., are facing a great loss. Just before Groundhog Day could be celebrated this year, famed groundhog Milltown Mel died on Sunday, Jan. 30. 

“[Mel] recently crossed over the bridge,” said his handlers, otherwise known as the Milltown Wranglers.

His loss brings much shock to many, especially since his death was so unexpected. He also passed at such a crucial part of the year, where finding a new groundhog to take his place for the big ceremony was not possible. Other groundhogs that are not kept in captivity are hibernating as well, which was yet another reason why Milltown Mel could not be replaced on such short notice. 

“We will work hard on getting us a new weather prognosticator for next year [and New Jersey residents should] check out what Mel’s cousins have to say,” said the Milltown Wranglers. 

The trend of Milltown Mel was started just 10 years ago by Milltown residents Jerry and Kathy Guthlein, although ever since then on every Feb. 2, he would predict whether residents would see an end to winter or have to endure another six weeks of frigid weather, depending on if he was able to see his shadow or not.

Even though the people of Milltown love Milltown Mel, he was not the original groundhog to watch for. The tradition of Milltown Mel was inspired by another famed groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil. Groundhog Day was first celebrated in Punxsutawney, Pa., where Phil gained his name. The first time this holiday was celebrated was in 1887, and since then, the trend of waiting for what the groundhogs predict has only gained more popularity.

Even though many are mourning the tragic loss of Milltown Mel, Punxsutawney Phil is arguably the most popular groundhog, and many trust him to bring us the truth about our near future. When Phil left his den and emerged in front of all the cameras, it was quickly proven that Phil saw his shadow. According to Phil, we are going to have to make it through six more weeks of winter. But, there is a chance that Phil is wrong in his prediction, considering that Phil has only gotten it right 40% of the time. 

Punxsutawney Phil and Miltown Mel have both been monumental groundhogs for Americans to follow across the country. Everyone loves the tradition that these two have created, and future Groundhog Days will not be the same without Milltown Mel.