Pennsylvania Game Machine Exhibits Real Animal as Prize Alongside Stuffed Toys for Children

Pennsylvania Game Commission officials were dispatched to handle a furry reward situation.

Pennsylvania Game Machine Exhibits Real Animal as Prize Alongside Stuffed Toys for Children
Pennsylvania Game Machine Exhibits Real Animal as Prize Alongside Stuffed Toys for Children

At a miniature golf course in Duncansville, Pennsylvania, employees were surprised to see a "prize" moving inside a claw machine at the Meadows Family Fun Mini Golf venue.

Officials were summoned when workers at the mini golf course discovered a living animal instead of a stuffed one.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission posted photos of a woodland creature on Instagram, revealing its discovery.

The officials released photos of a groundhog concealed among the stuffed rewards within the machine.

According to the post, Game Warden Salvadore Zaffuto was tasked with investigating and assisting in the removal of the stuck groundhog.

Punxsutawney Phil in Pennsylvania
A groundhog was found crawling inside a claw machine at a miniature golf course in Duncansville, Pennsylvania (actual groundhog not pictured). Seen in this image is Punxsutawney Phil, the weather prognosticating groundhog, during the 136th celebration of Groundhog Day on Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, on Feb. 2, 2022. Groundhogs are a common game animal in Pennsylvania. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger, File)

According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services, a groundhog can weigh up to 11 pounds.

Groundhogs inhabit regions with rocky outcrops, ranging from valley bottoms to alpine tundra, while steering clear of dense forests.

The lowland animals are surprisingly quick — and are good tree climbers.

GROUNDHOG rescue claw machine
Pennsylvania Game Commission officials posted an odd animal rescue story on Instagram after a groundhog was discovered crawling around stuffed animal prizes that were locked inside a claw machine. (Pennsylvania Game Commission)

As the machine (for investigation, not play) approached, SGW Zaffuto observed the stuffed animals move and the groundhog emerged from amongst the prizes, according to the post.

The officials contacted the vending machine company to retrieve the woodchuck from the machine and release it back into its natural environment without any harm.

Officials joked that "next time," they hoped "the groundhog would simply participate in the game using tokens, rather than attempting to deceive in order to claim the reward."

groundhog stuck in Pennsylvania claw machine
The groundhog, found in a claw machine at a Pennsylvania miniature golf course, was rescued safely and released back into the wild. (Pennsylvania Game Commission)

Planet Chronicle Digital reached out to the Pennsylvania Game Commission for additional comment.

More Odd News in Lifestyle to check out now

A man from Wayne County, West Virginia, broke the record for channel catfish with a $9.99 hot pink fishing rod he bought for his daughter.

This September, a 42-foot "compact" Airbnb estate in Littleton, Massachusetts, will be available for guests to stay at, featuring a Polly Pocket theme.

To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the "Peanuts" comic strip, farmers in the United States and Canada have created corn mazes dedicated to its creator.

by Ashley DiMella

lifestyle

TSA Red Flags: Everyday Behaviors by Flight Passengers

TSA Red Flags: Everyday Behaviors by Flight Passengers

lifestyle
During a flag retreat ceremony at Disney's Magic Kingdom, a 100-year-old WWII veteran was honored.

During a flag retreat ceremony at Disney's Magic Kingdom, a 100-year-old WWII veteran was honored.

lifestyle
The founder of LA Dream Center is providing aid to homeless individuals during the wildfires in California by accepting donations and offering housing.

The founder of LA Dream Center is providing aid to homeless individuals during the wildfires in California by accepting donations and offering housing.

lifestyle
Nine supplements to start the New Year with improved health.

Nine supplements to start the New Year with improved health.

lifestyle
The baptism of Jesus unveils 4 crucial aspects of his identity and purpose.

The baptism of Jesus unveils 4 crucial aspects of his identity and purpose.

lifestyle
Achieve your New Year's health objectives with these Walmart picks.

Achieve your New Year's health objectives with these Walmart picks.

lifestyle
Boost your self-care routine with Walmart's celebrity-approved wellness products

Boost your self-care routine with Walmart's celebrity-approved wellness products

lifestyle
After 2025, Girl Scouts will discontinue these cookie flavors.

After 2025, Girl Scouts will discontinue these cookie flavors.

lifestyle
Hosting a party on Inauguration Day: How to do it right

Hosting a party on Inauguration Day: How to do it right

lifestyle
In Viking graves, a 1200-year-old treasure and an unusual Christian artifact are discovered by metal detectorists.

In Viking graves, a 1200-year-old treasure and an unusual Christian artifact are discovered by metal detectorists.

lifestyle
Building a Wardrobe: 10 Essentials for Amazon's Winter Sale

Building a Wardrobe: 10 Essentials for Amazon's Winter Sale

lifestyle
Flight passenger's downgrade of seat assignment draws attention to encounter with 'seat squatter'.

Flight passenger's downgrade of seat assignment draws attention to encounter with 'seat squatter'.

lifestyle
This winter, stay fit and warm with Amazon's top 10 sale items.

This winter, stay fit and warm with Amazon's top 10 sale items.

lifestyle
Get ready for winter with these must-have home essentials on sale at Amazon.

Get ready for winter with these must-have home essentials on sale at Amazon.

lifestyle