Moment adorable surprise is discovered hiding inside claw machine

Staff members at a miniature golf course in Pennsylvania got more than they bargained for when they discovered an unexpected 'prize' in one of their game machines. 

Employees at The Meadows Family Fun Mini Golf were flabbergasted after they found a young groundhog stuck inside their claw machine.

Images showed the young ground squirrel running around stuffed animals inside the machine trying to escape but struggling to make it way out. 

Soon after, staff members quickly called State Game Warden Salvadore Zaffuto to help safely rescue the groundhog. 

Employees at The Meadows Family Fun Mini Golf were flabbergasted after they found a young groundhog stuck inside their claw machine

Images showed the young ground squirrel running around stuffed animals inside the machine trying to escape but struggling to make it way out

As Zaffuto approached the machine, he saw the brown-colored animal scurrying and occasionally popping out his head to 'assess the situation', according to the Facebook post made by the gaming center. 

Officials later said that the company who supplied the game were called to unlock the machine - which they successfully did. 

Warden Zaffuto was then able to capture the groundhog, who was released 'unharmed,' according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission. 

On August 9, The Meadows announced it was planning to host a contest to name the groundhog for a gift card prize. 

'We would like to do a contest and name the groundhog. Please comment your favorite name and we will choose one winner to win a $25 gift card. Please help us name Mr. Meadows,' the Facebook post read. 

As State Game Warden Salvadore Zaffuto approached the machine, he saw the brown-colored animal scurrying and occasionally popping out his head to 'assess the situation'

Warden Zaffuto was then able to capture the groundhog, who was released 'unharmed,' according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission

This comes months after a woman was left in shock after she found a possum hiding in her Christmas tree while decorating - after hearing the animal sneeze from inside its branches. 

In December 2023, Brett, a Texas-based animal lover - who has her hands full with three dogs, a snake, a lizard, and a cat - took to TikTok to reveal she was met with a 'furry' surprise after putting up her faux snow tree. 

The content creator shared footage of the rodent lounging in the fake tree as she explained she had 'no idea' how the animal got into her home.

In a series of viral videos, Brett gave viewers a peek at the possum trying to spread Christmas joy by living in her tree that was adorned with ornaments and tinsel.

After a few calls to her boyfriend and Animal Control, the rodent was removed from her tree.