Everyone sees the toys in the claw machine – but you have 20/20 vision & high IQ if you spot real-life animal in 20 secs
CAN you spot this cuddly groundhog wedged among toys in an amusement arcade claw machine?
People joked it was related to the famous Punxsutawney Phil - and another six weeks of summer were likely - after it was rescued.
The cuddly critter surprised one girl who saw it while visiting the Meadows Family Fun Mini Golf course in Duncansville, Blair County in Pennsylvania.
"My 12-year-old daughter was the first to spot this 'live prize'," said Trisha Salome on Facebook.
"She pointed out the odd find to her grandmother, but not before snapping a picture and a quick video. Then they shared [it] with staff."
The Pennsylvania Game Commission posted a pic of the trapped creature blending in to the toys on August 6.
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"Who doesn’t love the claw machine game? They have the best prizes! From a cute stuffed animal to a football, or maybe rubber duckies, or a groundhog… wait, a WHAT?" the commission joked.
Salvadore Zaffuto, State Game Warden, was called to free the stricken groundhog.
"When [he] approached the machine, he saw a wave of stuffed animals move as the groundhog scurried around underneath, then it popped its head out to assess the situation," the commission said.
"The vending machine company was contacted to unlock the machine, allowing Warden Zaffuto to safely capture the groundhog and release it unharmed."
Photos of the hidden groundhog and its rescue prompted scores of comments from people.
Many were curious about how the animal got stuck inside the claw machine in the first place.
Groundhogs are good climbers, according to The Humane Society of the United States.
The nearsighted - and shy - rodents are preyed upon by coyotes, foxes, weasels, badgers, hawks and eagles.
Several people also said the groundhog reminded them of Punxsutawney Phil.
Every year, Phil emerges at Gobbler's Knob on Groundhog's Day, February 2, to predict an early spring or six additional weeks of winter weather.
"Six more weeks of summer," suggested one respondent.
Benefits of brainteasers and optical illusions
Researchers have developed many tests to show how various brain regions react to brainteasers and optical illusions. There are many benefits.
- They are not only entertaining, but they also shed light on how our brains interpret visual data.
- By giving your brain a little workout regularly, you enhance your ability to focus and observe details.
- Studies have shown people who regularly challenge themselves with optical illusions and puzzles see big improvements in their problem-solving skills, concentration, and attention.
- Improved concentration and attention span can help prevent cognitive decline in old age.
- Optical illusions can improve eyesight by allowing you to see small print
"This is now Pennsylvania’s third most famous groundhog!" wrote Megan on Facebook.
Others said the news had "made their day," while one person said he "would have went broke trying to win that."
Have you managed to find the cheeky groundhog?
The answer is below...
The U.S. Sun has loads more interesting illusions and puzzles to challenge your brain.
For example, try to find this lost feather in just 12 seconds.
The illusion is made especially difficult as it has lots going on that can distract the eyes from the task in hand.
Or, do you have the patience to spot the lost bobby pin?
A Reddit user on the Find The Sniper forum was determined to find his wife’s bobby pin dropped on fake grass.
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“She was like ‘I’ll never find it’ and I said ‘NOT WITH THAT ATTITUDE,’” he said, writing under the handle Bigwilly311.
