source – chunk the groundhog youtube
Jeff Permar, from Middletown, Delaware, faced a unique challenge when he realized a groundhog was feasting on his garden.
With two decades of gardening experience, Permar was surprised by the extent of the damage. It seemed that every new vegetable he planted was quickly devoured.
Who’s Eating the Veggies?
Permar was determined to catch the veggie thief. He set up a motion-detecting camera by the shed, suspecting that was the animal’s home. The camera didn’t disappoint. It caught a groundhog right in the act.
This particular groundhog, later named Chunk by Permar, was bold enough to eat everything in sight—from apples to zucchini—and stare down the camera while doing it.
Meeting Chunk
source – chunk the groundhog youtube
Chunk’s antics initially frustrated Permar, but as he kept watching the groundhog and his mate, Nibbles, he grew fonder of them.
“You can’t help but smile when you see them enjoying the garden,” Permar said. “They’re just living their lives, and it was on me to find a way we could live together.”
A Special Garden for Groundhogs
Embracing the groundhogs’ presence, Permar decided to build them a garden of their own. Over the winter, he worked on a separate plot, hoping to entice the groundhogs away from his vegetables.
When spring rolled around, Chunk, Nibbles, and their little ones were thrilled with Permar’s offering.
The Groundhog Family Thrives
The garden was a hit, and the groundhog family seemed to grow overnight. Permar captured all of this on camera, and soon, the footage of the groundhog family enjoying their meals became an online sensation.
Chunk’s Online Fame
Permar’s videos of Chunk’s family have now charmed thousands of viewers on social media.
“Seeing the groundhogs thrive makes all the effort worth it,” said Permar, whose YouTube channel has now become a go-to spot for a dose of joy and a reminder of the simple pleasures of coexistence.
Living Together with Wildlife
Permar’s unique solution to his garden dilemma has shown that sharing and coexistence can lead to heartwarming outcomes. He encourages anyone who enjoys his story to look for ways to live harmoniously with the wildlife in their own backyards.
“Whether it’s setting up a bird feeder or planting a few extra vegetables, we can all do something to support the animals that share our spaces,” Permar suggests.
