Groundhog Wakes Early And Has Trouble

The following story about a groundhog was shared with us by Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge of New Jersey.

In late January of 2020, the wildlife hospital at Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge admitted a groundhog that had been huddled in the finder’s yard for several days. Finding a groundhog out in January is unusual, especially when it had been an extremely cold winter already. Judging from the condition of the groundhog, it was assumed that he woke up from his hibernation and emerged because he was not feeling well.

The groundhog presented with emaciation, dehydration, lethargy, and a full body skin infection. The groundhog was immediately started on a rehydration protocol, along with analgesia and antibiotics for the skin infection. Once rehydrated, the groundhog was assist-fed with EmerAid IC Herbivore to give his digestive system time to adjust to nutrition again. After a few days of assist-feeding, he was ready for solid food to continue him on his way to recovery.

After two weeks of medical treatment, the groundhog’s skin and coat appeared much healthier and he was more behaviorally appropriate. As the weather warmed and he improved, we prepared to release him back to his home territory. After two months of intensive care, the groundhog was taken back to his home. We were happy to see that he ran out of the carrier and directly back to his den!