Kentucky nurse revives drunk raccoon found in dumpster using CPR

When Misty Combs arrived at the Letcher County Health Department in Whitesburg, she had no idea her morning would include a daring animal rescue. A frantic raccoon behaving oddly near the parking lot drew her attention — and led her to a dumpster beside the Kentucky Mist Moonshine distillery where two young raccoons were trapped among discarded fermented peaches.

What followed felt more like a movie scene than a routine workday: one baby raccoon was weak but salvageable, the other appeared lifeless and soaked in dirty water. Combs acted fast, improvising tools and techniques until the tiny animal began breathing again.

How a Kentucky nurse brought a soaked, intoxicated raccoon back to life

Misty Combs didn’t plan to be a wildlife rescuer, but she reacted quickly when she saw a mother raccoon frantic at the dumpster’s edge. After using a shovel to free one youngster, she found the second pup lying motionless in standing water — likely intoxicated from fermented fruit discarded by the nearby distillery.

Combs first patted the animal’s back, then turned it over and started chest compressions. Because raccoons have flexible ribcages and small hearts, she was able to perform compressions with one hand. After a tense few moments the raccoon began to gasp and regain color.

The animal was resuscitated on the spot and later taken to a veterinarian by animal control to recover from alcohol exposure and water inhalation. Staff at the health department nicknamed the rescued animal “Otis Campbell,” and a few days later Combs helped release the young raccoon back into the woods behind the clinic where it could reunite with its family.

Key actions that saved the raccoon

• Recognized the danger and located the trapped animals.
• Used a shovel to retrieve the first baby and carefully accessed the second.
• Cleared water from the animal and stimulated breathing by patting.
• Administered chest compressions until the raccoon began breathing again.
• Contacted animal control and a veterinarian for professional aftercare.

Why wild animals sometimes get “drunk” from discarded food

Fruit and other organic waste can ferment quickly, producing ethanol — the same alcohol found in beverages. When wildlife consumes overripe or fermenting fruit, they can become intoxicated, disoriented, or even immobile. In this case, peaches tossed into a dumpster by a nearby distillery created a hazardous situation for curious juvenile raccoons.

Fermentation can make roadways, dumpsters, and backyard compost bins dangerous for foraging wildlife. Animals that stumble into containers or waterlogged refuse risk drowning, exposure, or becoming easy prey. This incident highlights how human food waste can create unintentional hazards for local ecosystems.

What happened after the roadside rescue — animal care and release

After Combs’ improvised CPR, animal control officers transported the raccoon to a veterinary clinic where staff monitored its recovery and treated it for water inhalation and alcohol exposure. The team kept the animal overnight until it was alert, moving normally, and able to be reunited with its mother.

Naming the animal “Otis Campbell” became a lighthearted moment for rescuers, drawing a cultural reference and lending a touch of levity to an otherwise tense rescue. A few days later, staff returned the juvenile to the forest behind the health center where it rejoined its family.

Other recent rescues show people stepping in for wildlife

This rescue is one of several in which bystanders have intervened to save small animals. In Sechelt, British Columbia, a server at the Lighthouse Pub jumped into cold water to pull a drowning baby raccoon to safety. The server swam with the animal, performed a few chest pumps with her thumb to encourage breathing, and handed it to coworkers who cared for it while she returned to her shift soaking wet.

• Quick thinking and minimal first aid helped revive the seaside raccoon.
• Restaurant staff kept the animal warm and dry until further help arrived.
• Other rescues around North America include freeing mammals from trash, traps, and discarded containers.

Practical advice if you find an injured or intoxicated wild animal

If you encounter wildlife in distress, follow these guidelines to keep both you and the animal safe:

• Do not handle wild animals directly unless they are clearly in immediate danger and you have appropriate protection; wild animals can carry diseases and bite when frightened.
• Keep pets and bystanders at a safe distance to avoid additional stress or injury to the animal.
• Contact local animal control, a wildlife rehabilitator, or a veterinarian for professional guidance.
• If the animal is wet and hypothermic, cover it loosely with a towel and move it to a warm, quiet place while you wait for help — but avoid forcing food or liquids.
• If you perform any emergency aid, prioritize gentle actions: clear airways, stimulate breathing, and seek expert support immediately.

How communities can reduce risks to urban wildlife

Municipalities, businesses, and residents can take simple steps to prevent similar incidents:

• Secure trash and recycling containers with lids that lock or are heavy enough to prevent tipping.
• Avoid discarding large amounts of fermentable food in public dumpsters.
• Educate neighbors and employees about wildlife-friendly waste practices.
• Support local wildlife rehabilitation centers and animal control services so they have the resources to respond quickly.

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Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson is an experienced journalist covering U.S. and global news. With ten years on the front lines, he breaks down political and economic stories that matter. His precise writing and keen attention to detail help you grasp the real‑world impact of every event.