Downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is usually buzzing with life. People stroll past storefronts, relax at cafés, and enjoy the weekend vibe. On one such Saturday, a married couple was soaking in the energy of the city when something unusual caught their attention.
They quickly realized they were witnessing something far from ordinary. Without delay, they phoned their daughter to share what they had just seen.
Around 1 p.m., their daughter reached out to a wildlife rescue group, which immediately mobilized and headed to the scene.
Swift Action Was Essential
When rescuers learned that a groundhog had been spotted in the middle of downtown, they were stunned. Betsy Shank, founder of Acorn Acres, felt a surge of alarm.
“My heart dropped,” Betsy told The Dodo. “[She] was mere feet from one [of] the largest and busiest intersections in the city.”
The idea that a groundhog could end up in such a hectic spot left her shocked. She was also concerned because groundhogs in Pennsylvania are considered a rabies vector species.
The situation demanded speed. “My team literally ran out the door to get on scene as fast as possible,” she said.
“Downtown was bustling with people! And there, behind the flowerpot on the wall of the stairs, was a terrified, dehydrated, momma groundhog.” Acron Acres described the “scene of the crime” in their Facebook post.
After assessing the area and choosing the safest approach, the team moved carefully. Using a broom handle and with help from the father of the caller, they gently secured the frightened animal.
The successful rescue brought relief to everyone involved. Onlookers expressed gratitude and excitement, cheering on the team’s efforts.
Headed Back to Her Natural Habitat
Navigating through the crowd, the rescuers transported the groundhog to a clinic for a full checkup.
Since Acorn Acres did not have the right space to care for her long term, they transferred her to Red Creek Wildlife Center, a rehabilitation facility in Millersville, Pennsylvania.
After an evaluation, staff suspected she may have escaped from a trap before winding up in the city.
They felt sadness not knowing what had become of her young. Because she was no longer nursing, they hoped her babies were old enough to survive on their own.
Fortunately, their worries eased as the groundhog began recovering quickly and showed signs she would soon be ready to return to the wild.“Since I am familiar with the area where she was released, I feel pretty confident in saying that it is likely she will never see a bustling city square again,” Betsy said. “Her future is full of fields and forests with their abundance.”