Mayor de Blasio to blame in Staten Island groundhog death?

STATEN ISLAND (WABC) -- The rodent that escaped Mayor Bill de Blasio's grasp during this year's Groundhog Day ceremony reportedly died a week after the fall.

The New York Post first reported the story, saying the Staten Island Zoo didn't notify the mayor's office about the groundhog's demise.

Moreover, the Post reports that the groundhog that died wasn't the famed Staten Island Chuck, but rather a stand-in named Charlotte.

The Post says the animal died of internal injuries after falling several feet. But the zoo says it's unlikely the fall contributed to its death.

De Blasio was doing the February ceremony for the first time.

The story exploded Thursday on social media, including jokes about a #Groundhoghazi cover-up.

The zoo released the following statement:

"As a result of the groundhog unexpectedly climbing out of the Mayor's grasp, the animal was given a complete medical examination by the Staten Island Zoo veterinarian immediately following the incident on February 2, 2014. The examination showed no evidence of trauma or pain, with the animal displaying normal behavior.

"During the following week after Groundhog Day the animal participated in several events, showing no clinical abnormalities and a normal apetite during this time. One week after Groundhog Day,on February 9, the animal was found deceased in its exhibit from internal injuries that the animal most likely sustained sometime during the week after Groundhog Day, potentially overnight while in its exhibit.

"A necropsy was performed by the Staten Island Zoo veterinarian, which revealed acute internal injuries.

"The exact cause of the injuries could not be determined. Given the results of the necropsy, the incident appears to have been sudden. It appears unlikely that the animal's death is related to the events on Groundhog Day."

In the aftermath of the report, officials say there could be some changes coming to next year's celebration. The zoo is looking into having a professional handle the groundhog from now on, instead of the mayor.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report)