Michigan men rescue wild raccoon that choked on food

BURTON, Mich. – A group of men from Michigan have gained notoriety after rescuing a wild raccoon that had choked on food.

Three men were hanging out one night in Genesee County when a wild raccoon approached them. Tyler Whalen, Bill Boski and John Ptaszenski said the raccoon did not attack them but appeared to be in distress.

Boski walked over to the animal, which stood on its hind legs, making it clear it was choking, the group said. Boski patted the raccoon on the back and the raccoon was grateful for the help.

Whalen thought Boski was not doing it right and began to teach him how to do it better. Boski tapped the raccoon on the shoulder and the animal coughed up a piece of cheese.

Free to dig in dumpsters another day, the raccoon pranced away. One of the men happened to film the rescue—the video has since been viewed tens of millions of times.

The men named the raccoon Rocket, after the character from Guardians of the Galaxy, and said they wouldn’t mind if Rocket came over to hang out again.

—> Related topics: The majestic and surprising bonding power of raccoons

For more information on Michigan’s wildlife, including bats, beavers, deer and more, visit the Department of Natural Resources website here.