The West Virginia State Wildlife Center in French Creek is still suffering from the aftermath of superstorm Sandy.
The pressure of the snow caused the netting of animal pens to collapse. Trees fell down all over the property and power was off for a week.
Employees took immediate action and moved animals into their winter houses.
Birds, including owls, hawks, and golden eagles, were the only animals that escaped.
Repairs are still being made on a daily basis, and wildlife biologist Gene Thorn said, "it will take months, maybe even years, to clean-up" over 300 acres of land.
Despite all of this devastation, the annual groundhog day celebration will go on. French Creek Freddie will be woken up on February 1, the day before groundhog day, and ready to make his appearance.
Thorn said Freddie is the only animal the center has officially named and he is a "tame groundhog."
Other animals on exhibit at the center include mountain lions, vultures, coyotes, and skunks.
The center is open while repairs continue and admission is free for the rest of the winter season. For more information, check out their web site at http://www.wvdnr.gov/wildlife/wildlifecenter.shtm.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and WBOY. All Rights Reserved.
