I saved a young groundhog once. He fell into a five foot deep hole in the back yard, and could not get himself out, despite his formidable claws. I told him I was not going to hurt him, then put a leaf rake into the hole, and managed to get it mostly under him. I thought he would jump off when I started lifting him, but he stayed on the rake. When he reached the top, he hopped out of the hole, then stopped and looked back at me. I said “You’re welcome.” Eventually he waddled off the property.
Sweet story. One day that little groundhog will be grown up, and may save your life against a Chupacabra ready to leap at your throat. “There’s no need to fear, Under-Hog is here!”