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Michigan men go viral after saving raccoon choking on cheese

BURTON, Mich. – The rescue of a raccoon in Genesee County has gone viral.

Video of the rescue has been seen by millions.

Related: The majestic and surprising unifying power of raccoons

Tyler Whalen, Bill Boski and John Ptaszenski were hanging out when the raccoon approached. They said it was clearly in distress.

The raccoon didn’t attack them but welcomed the help to get the too-large cheese out of its throat.

The video captures Boski tapping on the animal’s back as it choked. Whalen didn’t think he was doing it correctly and began coaching him on how to do it better, leading to the raccoon coughing up the cheese.

Free to dumpster dive another day, the raccoon sashayed off.

The men have nicknamed the raccoon Rocket, after the character from Guardians of the Galaxy. They said they don’t mind if he comes to hang out again.

More on Michigan’s wildlife, including bats, beavers, deer and more, can be found on the Department of Natural Resources website.

You can watch Mara MacDonald’s story in the video player above.


About the Authors
Dane Kelly headshot

Dane Kelly is an Oreo enthusiast and producer who has spent the last seven years covering Michigan news and stories.

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