Having fun at entertainment centers is one of the most unforgettable experiences of childhood. Who among us didn’t enjoy games like Pac-Man, Skee-Ball, Air Hockey, or the infamous Claw Machine? The excitement of winning prizes, be it stuffed animals, toy figures, or candy, is a thrill we all remember!
Now, picture this: you walk into an arcade with the intent to win a prize, and instead of a regular toy, you win a real, live furry animal! It may sound unbelievable, but that’s what happened to a girl in Pennsylvania during her adventure with the claw machine!
What Is It
Upon noticing that one of the prizes at Meadows Family Fun Center was actually moving, the girl was taken aback. She quickly realized this was no ordinary stuffed toy! The unusual sight prompted her to alert the staff. To their astonishment, they discovered that instead of a toy, an actual live groundhog was inside!
Staff members were bewildered about how this little creature ended up inside the claw machine. The prevailing theory was that the groundhog had sneaked in unnoticed, finding a cozy spot among the toys when no one was watching. What a clever way to blend in with the plushies!
They quickly reached out to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, who arrived just minutes later. Experienced Warden Zaffuto led the rescue mission, and as he approached the machine, he saw a wave of stuffed animals shifting as the groundhog scurried beneath them before popping its head out to gauge 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.
The Strange Visitor Is Safely Released
Choosing not to put his claw-machine skills to the test, Warden Zaffuto decided on a safer method for the release of this unexpected visitor. The entire team, recognizing the importance of safety, opted to contact the vending machine company, which ultimately proved to be wise.
“The vending machine company was contacted to unlock the machine, allowing Warden Zaffuto to safely capture the groundhog and release it unharmed,” noted the Game Commission.
The groundhog was successfully rescued and released unharmed, much to the relief of the staff who witnessed this furry creature’s safe return. As for the girl who discovered this “unexpected prize,” it’s certain that this extraordinary adventure will be a cherished memory for years to come. After all, that’s the essence of fun centers!
