We knew this little baby had lost its mom. :( We went home to get a box and drove back to the neighbor's yard, where the little guy was still sitting. A man who lives in the house came out and said that the baby had been around for the past 2-3 days. So my husband and I placed him in the box and took him to our house. We placed clover, some carrot pieces and grass inside the box, as well as some cloths. We wondered if our mama groundhog would take care of the little orphan (by this time we had already named him "Lucky" - because we were lucky to have found him before a car or predator got him). However, information that we found online said that a mother groundhog would not welcome an outsider.
As my husband continued to research the web for information, he suggested that I call The Center for Wildlife in Cape Neddick - approximately 40 miles away. At least they might be able to give me some advice. Well, they gave more than advice. They asked if we would be willing to drive him to the center where one of their staff members would be delighted to take him in. (They told me that groundhogs were her favorite!) We of course agreed.
On the way to the center, Lucky clawed his way to the top edge of the box and almost escaped. So we placed a cover over the top, tucked the box in the backseat of the car and I crawled in and sat next to him as my husband drove. When we arrived, the staff quickly took Lucky and the box to a back room where they had prepared a pen for him. They gave us an "admission ticket" with a number to reference should we want to call and check in on him.
I did call today and spoke with the woman who is caring for him. She said that another baby groundhog was brought to the Center today, so now Lucky has a buddy - which is really important and good for both of them. She is feeding them a special formula and acting as a surrogate mother in a sense, because baby groundhogs bond with their mothers until they are weaned. She adores groundhogs and is taking extra special care of them. My husband and I are grateful to have such a wonderful place nearby. www.yorkcenterforwildlife.org
When Lucky and his buddy are old enough to be released, she will take them to a home that has acres of fields and woods. However, don't be surprised if you read another post in the near future welcoming Lucky to MY home. I just might have to go get him when he is ready! xoxo
