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Bill Murray's Groundhog Co-Star From Pennsylvania Dies, Wildlife Center Says

A groundhog who once co-starred with Bill Murray has died, according to Acorn Acres Wildlife Rehabilitation where she served as a mascot. 

Poppy.

Poppy.

Photo Credit: Facebook/Acorn Acres Wildlife Rehabilitation

The Emmy-nominated 2020 Super Bowl ad scene-stealer, 4-year-old Poppy passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023, at 4:18 a.m., according to the rehab facility.

She had been suffering from abdominal pain prior to being rushed to a veterinarian. During an evaluation, Poppy was suspected to have a pyometra or an infection in the uterus and was sent to have emergency surgery within the hour, a Facebook post by the rehab explains. During the emergency surgery the doctor "discovered a large mass in her large intestine," as stated in the post.

Poppy passed peacefully after all other options to see her were exhausted, according to the rehab. 

The rehab released the following statements as an obituary or tribute to the furry friend:

"She leaves behind her fellow ambassadors, her groundhog brother, Elliott, her eastern grey squirrel sister, Snags, as well as our other resident squirrels, Finnigan, Crazy Boy, Lucy, and Pete. The entire Acorn Team is shattered. Poppy was such a bright spot in this world. An empty pink harness. To remind a crushed heart That love never dies and is worth the hurt."

In the wild, a groundhog can live up to six years but the average is three, according to A to Z Animals. Although Punxsutawney Phil has been around since 1886 and he too starred alongside Bill Murray, so we can understand why the rehab center was so shocked at her sudden passing. 

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