What started as a peaceful seaside stroll quickly became a life-or-death moment.
While walking along a waterfront promenade in Charleston, South Carolina, Will Deleo and his girlfriend noticed something struggling in the dark water just beyond the seawall.
At first glance, Deleo thought it was a cat — but as he looked closer, he realized it was a young raccoon desperately trying to stay afloat.
“He had no way to get out,” Deleo told The Dodo. “That’s when I knew we couldn’t just leave.”
The couple could have continued on their walk, but the sight of the exhausted animal stopped them in their tracks.
“The first thing I thought was, ‘I’d hope someone would help me if I were in that situation,’” Deleo said.
Thinking fast, Deleo grabbed a nearby traffic cone and lowered it over the edge of the seawall, hoping the raccoon could grab on. After a few tense attempts, the little raccoon finally managed to cling to the cone long enough to pull himself up.
“He was so tired, but he held on just long enough to make it,” Deleo said.
Once safely back on dry land, the raccoon paused, completely worn out from the ordeal. Though exhausted, his relief was obvious.
“He seemed really grateful — just completely spent,” Deleo said.
After catching his breath, the raccoon eventually scurried off, disappearing into the night and leaving behind two humans who were deeply grateful for the chance to step in.
“It felt really good,” Deleo said. “I’d hope anyone would do the same.”
