Blue Ridge Wildlife Center Patient of the Week: Groundhog

This Groundhog was admitted after a vehicle collision left her with exposed small intestines that had herniated through the left abdominal wall.

Herniations are quite common after injuries of blunt force trauma, most commonly vehicle collisions. Though many of these herniations are through the diaphragm, keeping all organs internal, cases like this patients’ are more complex as the tissue has been exposed to the outside, creating a much higher risk for infection.

This patient was stabilized, and surgery was performed on the day of intake to limit risks of infection and loss of circulation to the external intestines.

Fortunately, this patient did very well in surgery and is was alert, eating, and recovering on pain medications and antibiotics.

In this case, the trauma was easily noticeable, but in many cases, victims of vehicle collisions have only internal (yet life-threatening) trauma. Regardless of what you see externally, if an animal has been struck by a vehicle, or if you see a down animal along the side of the road that was likely hit, that animal should be evaluated by a professional.

Although lower risk than some other mammals, groundhogs are considered high-risk rabies vectors in Virginia. Please DO NOT intervene if it is not safe for you to do so, if you do not have appropriate personal protective equipment, or if you have not already spoken to a rehabilitator who can accept the animal as a new patient.

We’re grateful that this finder did everything right and got this individual into care quickly to give her the best chance possible at returning to the wild.

Many people think groundhogs are a nuisance, but these large rodents are extremely beneficial to the ecosystem.

Their movement of soil is import in aeration, irrigation, and nutrient mixing and the foods and waste they leave behind add nutrients to the soil.

Many animals who cannot dig quite so well will also use the old burrows for temporary shelters or hibernation/brumation sites.

They can even attract predators like foxes and snakes that help keep rodent populations down on farms.

This patient has finally been cleared for release and we are so excited to get this groundhog back home to continue providing these important ecosystem services!

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