“Rocket the Raccoon” Causes a Stir in Stephens County Before Being Safely Relocated

STEPHENS COUNTY, Ga. — A late-night call about a possible prowler on a North Hicks Road porch turned out to be more mischievous than menacing.

According to the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched around 9:03 p.m. on Sunday, October 26, after a resident reported hearing “rummaging and banging noises” outside their home.

When deputies arrived, they quickly located the culprit — a raccoon that, in a bit of law enforcement humor, was said to have “provided the false name ‘Rocket the Raccoon.’”

After confirming the animal posed no threat, deputies decided not to press charges. Instead, “Rocket” was safely relocated to a nearby wooded area and “given a warning,” the sheriff’s office said in a lighthearted statement.

Officials reminded residents that while this call ended harmlessly, unusual noises outside the home should always be reported. “Our night shift deputies never know what to expect when dispatched to a call, but they are always ready to help,” the department noted.

As autumn continues and wildlife becomes more active, authorities offered several tips to help prevent raccoons and other animals from venturing too close to homes:

• Secure trash, compost bins, and pet food kept outdoors.
• Fence in gardens and seal off possible entry points.
• Use scent repellents around porches or trash areas.
• Contact the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office or the Department of Natural Resources if you need assistance.

The sheriff’s office emphasized that no animals were harmed during the incident, and that the humorous tone of the release was intended as satire.

Even so, for “Rocket the Raccoon,” it was likely a night to remember — and for Stephens County deputies, just another unusual call on the job.