A baby raccoon got a second shot at life thanks to one heroic nurse’s quick thinking — and the story is as heartwarming as it is wild.
Misty Combs, an RN at the Letcher County Health Department in Kentucky, says she was going about her day when she spotted a raccoon in serious trouble outside her workplace — right next to a local moonshine distillery.
“I saw a mama raccoon trying desperately to get her babies out of the dumpster,” Combs told TMZ. “One little one was okay, but the other was face down in a mix of peaches and water soaked with moonshine.”
A Dumpster Dive for Survival
The baby raccoon, later named Otis Campbell, had apparently spent the night eating alcohol-soaked peaches, causing him to get drunk and almost drown.
“He smelled like booze,” Combs recalled. “It was clear he couldn’t get himself out, and I knew I had to act fast.”
Without hesitation, Combs dove into the dumpster and scooped up the struggling animal, immediately beginning CPR — all while taking care not to get scratched or bitten, knowing raccoons can carry rabies.
Against All Odds: CPR Success
Combs’ coworkers initially feared the little critter was beyond help, but her determination paid off. After several tense moments, the baby raccoon began to revive.
“It was incredible,” Combs said. “I kept at it, and eventually, he started moving and breathing normally again.”
Animal Control soon arrived on the scene to ensure Otis was safe. A vet later confirmed the raccoon had ingested fermented peaches, explaining his dangerously tipsy state.
From Boozy Mess to Safe and Sound
With fluids and a cozy blanket, Otis Campbell made a full recovery. Combs was able to release him back into the wild, reuniting him with his mother.
“It was a small miracle,” Combs said. “To think he almost didn’t make it because of some peaches — I’m just happy I could help.”
Photos shared by Combs show Otis looking healthy and alert, a testament to quick thinking, bravery, and compassion.
Why This Rescue Matters
The story has captured hearts online, highlighting the everyday heroes among us. Nurses like Combs save lives daily — and sometimes, that life just happens to have a tail and a penchant for moonshine.
Beyond the humor and cuteness, the incident is a reminder of the unexpected dangers wildlife face in human spaces, from alcohol to dumpsters and other hazards.
A Happy Ending
Otis Campbell’s story now serves as an uplifting tale of rescue, resilience, and recovery, proving that sometimes, courage comes in the form of an animal-loving nurse ready to dive into a dumpster for a tiny life.
What do you think of Otis’ miraculous rescue? Have you ever helped a wild animal in need? Share your stories below!
Stay tuned to The Pop Radar (TPR) for more feel-good and wild celebrity-adjacent stories.
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Kentucky nurse rescues baby raccoon drunk on moonshine peaches, performs CPR, and releases him safely back into the wild.