It was a lively Saturday afternoon in downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where the streets were bustling with people visiting cafes or simply strolling about. Among the crowd was a local couple enjoying the vibrant atmosphere, completely unaware of the surprising encounter awaiting them.
They unexpectedly stumbled upon an astonishing sight that prompted them to immediately inform their daughter. By about 1 p.m., she was already on the phone with the animal rescue service, setting off a quick response from the rescuers.
Swift Action
It was quite a shock for the staff of the rescue organization when they learned that the couple had encountered a groundhog in such an unusual spot. Betsy Shank, the founder of Acorn Acres, was particularly taken aback.
“My heart dropped,” Betsy shared with The Dodo. “[She] was just feet away from one of the largest and busiest intersections in the city.”
Betsy was not only surprised that a groundhog wandered into such a location but also concerned, as groundhogs in Pennsylvania are known rabies-vector species.
Realizing the urgency of the situation, she knew immediate action was crucial. “My team literally ran out the door to get on scene as fast as possible,” she recounted.
“Downtown was bustling with people! And there, behind the flowerpot on the wall of the stairs, was a terrified, dehydrated, momma groundhog.” Acorn Acres depicted the “scene of the crime” in their Facebook post.
After evaluating the situation, the team acted fast. Utilizing a broom handle and the assistance of the girl’s father who first raised the alarm, they successfully captured the groundhog.
The successful rescue sparked joy among not only the rescuers but also onlookers, who couldn’t stop expressing their appreciation.
A Safe Return
The rescuers quickly whisked the groundhog away from the crowded area and brought her to their clinic.
Since their facility lacked the resources to provide long-term care, she was transferred to the Red Creek Wildlife Center in Millersville, Pennsylvania.
After a thorough examination, it was concluded that the momma groundhog had somehow managed to escape from a trap she had been caught in.
Though the fate of her offspring was uncertain, they hoped for the best since she wasn’t actively nursing, suggesting her babies might survive on their own.
Joy returned when it was clear that the groundhog was recuperating quickly and soon, she’d be ready to return to her natural habitat. “Given my familiarity with the release area, I am pretty sure she’ll avoid busy city centers in the future,” Betsy stated. “She’s bound for a life filled with open fields and flourishing forests.”
