For the past two years, the family behind the social media page Life in a Log Home has been sharing their scenic property in with a wild houseguest. They named her Gertie. She’s a groundhog.
And she’s got it made.
Gertie lives in a cozy den she made under the family’s shed, from which she’s always happy to emerge for snacks.
“I have a deal with Gertie,” homeowner Kelly told The Dodo. “She stays out of my vegetable garden, and I supply her with lettuce, carrots, grapes and apple slices. So far, she’s kept her end of the deal.”
Gertie, for the most part, has lived a solitary life, roaming around the property all by herself. But though she seemed to relish in singledom, Gertie still apparently isn’t immune to the allure of romance.
Sure enough, romance found her.
The other day, while scanning her property, Kelly saw this — a male groundhog she’d never seen before. He stood admiring Gertie from afar.
It wasn’t long before the male groundhog moved in to introduce himself to Gertie, much to the delight of Kelly. She began filming moments from what might aptly be described as Gertie’s first date.
“Bertie, as he’s been named, is her first suitor that we’re aware of,” Kelly said. “We were so excited to see them together and watch their interactions.”
Here’s footage of the two enjoying one another’s company:
The groundhog pair appeared to get along swimmingly, though Gertie did stop short of inviting Bertie back into her den.
“She handled herself quite well,” Kelly said. “From what we’ve seen, Gertie is definitely the boss.”
Bertie was clearly smitten.
“He’s hung around for several days,” Kelly said.
Despite the sense that love is in the air, Gertie and Bertie’s romance is likely to be short lived. Groundhogs are non-monogamous animals, and typically go their separate ways after mating.
But Kelly is nevertheless elated by the prospect that their fling will be productive.
“Now we wait and see if we will be welcoming little Gerties and Berties in the near future,” Kelly said. “We are very wildlife friendly on our property. If Gertie welcomes a little family, we would be delighted for them to take up home under the garden shed!”
To keep up with Gertie’s adventures, follow Life in a Log Home on Facebook and Instagram.
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