Trips to family fun centers are the kind of childhood experiences that never fade from memory.  

Think about it, who didn’t love diving into games like Pac-Man, Skee-Ball, Air Hockey, or the legendary Claw Machine? The thrill of snagging a prize, whether it was a stuffed animal, a shiny action figure, a piece of candy, or some odd little trinket, always felt unbeatable.  

Now picture this: instead of a toy dropping into your hands, the prize turns out to be alive.  

It sounds unbelievable, doesn’t it?  

Yet that is exactly what a young girl encountered during her visit to a family fun center in Pennsylvania. 

A Moving Prize That Wasn’t A Toy

While spending time at Meadows Family Fun Center, the girl was startled when she noticed movement inside the claw machine. At first, she wasn’t sure what she was seeing. But it didn’t take long to realize this wasn’t a stuffed animal.

Concerned, she quickly informed the staff about the unusual sight.

The team rushed over to investigate and were stunned by what they found nestled among the toys: a live groundhog.

No one could believe it. How did a wild animal end up inside a claw machine?

The most likely explanation was that the groundhog had wandered into the building unnoticed and burrowed into the soft pile of plush toys. It must have seemed like the perfect hiding spot.

Acting quickly, the staff contacted the Pennsylvania Game Commission, who arrived promptly.

Soon, Warden Zaffuto stepped in to assess 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 Clever Rescue For An Unexpected Guest

Though it might’ve been tempting, the Warden didn’t try his luck with the claw. Instead, he chose a safer and more practical approach.

Rather than attempt a grab, the team reached out to the vending machine company and asked them to unlock the machine, a much wiser decision.

“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 went smoothly. The groundhog was safely removed, returned to the wild, and most importantly, wasn’t injured.

Everyone involved was relieved to see the little animal safe.

And for the girl who spotted it? She’ll never forget the day she found a real, live creature hiding among the prizes in a claw machine.

Because sometimes, the most unforgettable wins aren’t made of stuffing, they’re furry and full of surprises.