In Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, a groundhog named Colonel Custard has gained attention after being discovered in an unusual location. Colonel Custard was found hidden among stuffed animal prizes inside an arcade game at a frozen custard shop and mini-golf outlet. Locals were surprised to realize a real groundhog was among the toys they were trying to win by maneuvering a mechanical claw in the game case.
Colonel Custard’s discovery took place in Hollidaysburg, located an hour’s drive away from Punxsutawney, renowned for its weather-predicting groundhog, Phil.
The owners and staff of The Meadows frozen custard shop have embraced their unexpected furry guest. They have created T-shirts with the slogan “Respect the Groundhog,” hosted an online naming contest that received numerous entries, and are considering naming a frozen treat flavor after Colonel Custard.
Store manager Lynn Castle mentioned that it remains a mystery how the groundhog managed to enter the building, speculating that it might have climbed up the game chute into the machine. Upon noticing the live groundhog, employees sought assistance in setting him free.
Several parties collaborated in releasing the groundhog safely. After the arcade game owners declined involvement, the police contacted the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Game wardens intervened by opening the claw machine and releasing Colonel Custard into a nearby field.
Castle expressed relief that the incident concluded positively, highlighting that the groundhog was freed without anyone being harmed.
A stowaway groundhog becomes a beloved local symbol
