NJ A4296

Creates an exemption to New Jersey's ban on importing woodchucks (groundhogs) from states where non-raccoon rabies variants are endemic, specifically allowing importation to replace a deceased groundhog used for Groundhog Day celebrations by counties or municipalities

Requires counties and municipalities to first attempt to obtain a replacement woodchuck from within New Jersey or from states without endemic non-raccoon rabies before importing from restricted states

Directs the Division of Fish and Wildlife to establish procedures for relocating woodchucks within the state and, if unavailable, to authorize and recommend safer out-of-state sources for importation

Requires the Division of Fish and Wildlife to notify all counties and municipalities of this exemption and to establish guidelines for proper housing and handling of woodchucks in government custody

Clarifies that "groundhog" and "woodchuck" refer to the same animal, Marmota monax, and may be used interchangeably under the law