Groundhog In Distress Finally Regains Strength To Eat

groundhog-in-blanketThe following story was shared with us by Carolina Wildlife Conservation Center in North Carolina.

Charlie, a sub-adult female groundhog, was brought into rehabilitation after being struck by a vehicle. On intake, she would only roll and could not stand up on all four legs. Groundhogs also sit on their hind legs while they hold their food to eat and watch their surroundings. She had suffered severe head trauma on impact. She was underweight, dehydrated, not aware of her surroundings, and not even vocal.

Groundhogs eat a lot of food, so we knew we had to get calories into her to help her start feeling better.

Charlie was tube-fed EmerAid Sustain Herbivore, which was easy for a while because she did not have the strength to object. Over time Charlie began gaining strength, and it was too risky to tube-feed her; we began syringe-feeding her. We always worry if the animals will object to the taste of these supplemental foods, but she accepted it.

Not only was Charlie gaining her strength and standing on her legs, but she was beginning to whistle for us, which was loud! We began to learn her vocal sounds and body language, which would let us know if she needed to use the bathroom, had enough to eat, or wanted to be left alone. She has been an interesting patient.

Charlie is still unable to sit on her hind legs to eat, but she is very mobile with a little wobble to her step. She is making great strides after two months of rehab. Charlie is also eating solids but, in addition, she still receives a syringe or two of Herbivore. Sort of like making sure the kid eats all of their vegetables and not just their favorites!