The Kentucky Nurse Who Gave CPR to a Drunken Raccoon (And Went Viral)

It was an ordinary day that took an extraordinary turn for Kentucky critical care nurse Misty VanHorn. While driving, she spotted a small, furry form lying motionless in the middle of a rural road. Her heart sank, assuming the worst – another creature fallen victim to passing traffic. But as she approached, a closer inspection revealed a curious detail: no blood, no visible injuries.

This wasn't a hit-and-run; this was something else entirely.

Her nursing instincts kicked in. Misty, a woman accustomed to high-stakes situations in the ICU, couldn't simply drive by. She pulled over, her compassion outweighing any hesitation. Kneeling beside the still body, she realized the creature was a raccoon, utterly unresponsive.

Without a second thought, she decided to do what she knew best: perform CPR.

What followed was a scene straight out of a quirky animal rescue movie. Misty gently opened the raccoon's mouth, forming a seal, and began delivering mouth-to-snout resuscitation, interspersing it with gentle chest compressions.

After a few rounds, a flicker of life! The raccoon stirred, then began to move, albeit sluggishly. It was a bizarre, heartwarming, and utterly unforgettable moment.

The mystery of the raccoon’s stupor soon became clear. Local wildlife experts and the general public theorized the most likely culprit: fermented persimmons.

These sweet, often fallen fruits can ferment, producing alcohol when consumed by animals. It seemed Misty had rescued a creature suffering from a serious case of "raccoon drunkenness." True to form, after its resuscitation, the raccoon stumbled around for a moment, clearly disoriented, before eventually weaving its way off the road and into the safety of the nearby woods.

Misty’s selfless act, initially shared on social media, quickly exploded into a viral sensation.

Her Facebook post detailing the "drunken raccoon" rescue garnered thousands of shares, comments, and reactions, turning her into an overnight internet hero. The sheer absurdity and genuine kindness of her actions resonated with people worldwide, creating a much-needed moment of levity and hope.

While Misty’s actions were undeniably heroic, wildlife experts universally advise against direct contact with wild animals, especially those exhibiting unusual behavior.

Raccoons, like many wild creatures, can carry diseases such as rabies, distemper, or parasites, posing a risk to humans. Misty herself acknowledged the inherent dangers but explained she simply couldn't stand by and watch a living being suffer, regardless of its species.

This remarkable tale serves as a powerful reminder of both human compassion and the unpredictable quirks of nature.

Misty VanHorn, the critical care nurse who brought a "drunk" raccoon back from the brink, is a testament to the fact that heroism comes in many forms, sometimes involving furry, fruit-intoxicated patients and a courageous heart. Her story continues to inspire smiles and wonder, cementing her place as a true animal champion.