Spending time at fun centers is one of those unforgettable childhood experiences that stays with us forever.
Let’s be honest, who didn’t love playing Pac-Man, Skee-Ball, Air Hockey, or the ever-popular Claw Machine? The thrill of scoring that perfect prize—whether it was a plush toy, action figure, sweet treat, or cool trinket — was unmatched.
But imagine going in expecting a toy… and discovering that one of the prizes is actually alive!
Sounds unreal, right?
Well, that’s exactly what happened to one young girl during her visit to a family fun center in Pennsylvania.
Something’s Definitely Moving
While playing at Meadows Family Fun Center , the girl was taken aback when she noticed one of the prizes inside the claw machine was moving. At first, she wasn’t sure what she was seeing—but she quickly realized this was no ordinary plush toy.
Curious and concerned, she alerted the staff to the strange sight.
The team at the fun center rushed over to check—and were completely shocked to find an unexpected visitor nestled among the stuffed animals: a live groundhog!
None of them could believe their eyes. How did this furry little creature wind up inside a claw machine?
The most likely explanation? The groundhog must have wandered into the building unnoticed and found the perfect hiding spot in the cozy pile of toys. It was probably the softest bed it could imagine!
Acting fast, the fun center staff contacted the Pennsylvania Game Commission, who arrived on the scene in no time.
Soon after, Warden Zaffuto stepped in to handle the situation.
“When Warden Zaffuto responded and approached the machine, he saw a wave of stuffed animals move as the groundhog scurried around underneath, then it popped its head out to assess the situation,” Pennsylvania Game Commission – Southcentral Region shared in a Facebook post.
A Safe Exit For The Furry Intruder
Although it might’ve been tempting, the Warden didn’t attempt to test his claw-machine luck. Instead, he opted for a much safer and more effective rescue plan.
Rather than risk a tricky grab, the team contacted the vending machine company and asked them to unlock the machine… definitely the smarter move.
“The vending machine company was contacted to unlock the machine, allowing Warden Zaffuto to safely capture the groundhog and release it unharmed,” the Game Commission added.
The rescue was a success. The little groundhog was safely captured, released back into the wild, and, most importantly, wasn’t hurt in the process.
Everyone involved was relieved to see the little critter unharmed.
And as for the girl who made the discovery? One thing’s for sure—she’ll never forget this wildly unexpected “prize” she uncovered at the arcade.
Because sometimes, the most memorable wins aren’t stuffed — they’re furry and full of surprises.