Skip to Content

BBQ Night Becomes Unforgettable When Group of Michigan Friends Save a Raccoon From Choking on Cheese

raccoon choking on cheese
Screenshot from "Friends Save Raccoon Choking on Cheese at Cookout" Source: YouTube, Uploaded: CBS Evening News

These friends will never ever forget this BBQ night. However, it won’t be remembered as the night they had delicious food, but rather, as the night that they saved a raccoon choking on cheese. What would you have done if you were in their situation?

Unbelievable Rescue Captured on Camera

In a backyard cookout in Burton, Michigan, John Ptaszenski, Tyler Whalen, and Bill Messenger witnessed a rare event. A raccoon, choking on a slice of American cheese, was saved by Messenger’s quick actions. Captured on cell phone video, the rescue became an unbelievable story of human-animal interaction.

The Raccoon’s Struggle

Raccoon is Saved from choking
Screenshot from “Friends Save Raccoon Choking on Cheese at Cookout” Source: YouTube, Uploaded: CBS Evening News

The raccoon’s harmless cheese theft turned into a life-threatening situation when it began choking. Whalen noticed the raccoon making gestures that seemed like the universal sign for choking. The friends quickly realized the severity of the situation and sprang into action to save the struggling mammal.

Quick-Thinking Hero

Bill Messenger acted swiftly, hitting the raccoon on the back to dislodge the cheese. The raccoon cooperated, leaning back as if asking for help. The cheese eventually flew out of its throat, and the raccoon survived the ordeal, much to the relief and amazement of the three friends.

Expert’s Perspective

Dr. Suzanne MacDonald, an animal behavior expert, was amazed by the incident. She advised against hitting animals on the back but acknowledged that the friends had no choice. The raccoon’s unusual behavior and the successful rescue made this a one-of-a-kind story in animal rescue.

Backyard Cookouts and Wildlife

raccoon choking on cheese
Screenshot from “Friends Save Raccoon Choking on Cheese at Cookout” Source: YouTube, Uploaded: CBS Evening News

Backyard cookouts are a favorite pastime, but they can attract wildlife. It’s important to be aware of the potential risks and interactions with local animals, ensuring both human and animal safety during these gatherings.

Understanding Raccoon Behavior

Raccoons are curious and intelligent animals, often drawn to human food. Knowing their behavior patterns can help prevent unexpected encounters and ensure a harmonious coexistence in areas where raccoons are common.

Animal Rescue Stories

Animal rescues often showcase dramatic and heartwarming stories, emphasizing the deep bond between humans and animals. From pets saved from house fires to wild animals freed from traps, these narratives highlight the lengths people go to protect animals. The story of a raccoon rescue not only raises awareness about the importance of pet first aid but also illustrates the significance of compassion for all creatures. Such acts of kindness can profoundly impact an animal’s life. Additionally, insights from animal behavior experts, like Dr. Suzanne MacDonald, enhance our understanding of human-animal interactions, guiding appropriate responses in various wildlife situations.

Human-Wildlife Interactions

raccoon
Image by Gonzalo Guzman via Pexels

Human-wildlife interactions can vary from harmless to dangerous, making public education essential for safe encounters that protect both humans and animals. Pet owners should be equipped for emergencies, such as knowing how to respond if their pet chokes, as simple awareness can enhance pet safety. Additionally, stories of animal rescues often showcase the bravery of individuals who act swiftly to save distressed animals, inspiring compassion and responsibility. Involving the community through volunteering, donations, or awareness campaign greatly benefits local wildlife. Furthermore, social media serves as a powerful platform for sharing rescue stories, raising awareness, and motivating collective action within communities.

The Infamous Raccoon

raccoon
Close up portrait of a raccoon in Russia. Image via Depositphotos

Raccoons are remarkable animals known for their impressive memory, capable of remembering solutions to tasks for up to three years, which aids their survival in urban settings. Their highly dexterous front paws function almost like human hands, allowing them to open jars and manipulate objects with precision, enhancing their adaptability in finding food. As primarily nocturnal creatures, raccoons are most active at night, helping them avoid predators and human encounters while scavenging for food. Their omnivorous diet, consisting of fruits, nuts, insects, and even garbage, reflects their adaptability, and they communicate using a variety of sounds and body language, showcasing their complex social behaviors.

Conclusion

YouTube video
“Friends Save Raccoon Choking on Cheese at Cookout” Source: YouTube, Uploaded: CBS Evening News

The raccoon featured in this story can thank these guys for still being alive, and in turn, the guys can thank the raccoon for giving them a story they can tell for the rest of their lives. After all, if you’re cooking in the great outdoors, you have to count on the fact that the smell of your delicious food will scratch other creatures’ appetites and not just yours.

Thank you for reading this story about the raccoon who was saved from choking on a piece of cheese!