A raccoon broke into a liquor store in Ashland, Virginia, got drunk on spilled alcohol, and passed out in the bathroom. Animal protection officer Samantha Martin identified it as a repeat offender suspected in prior break-ins at nearby businesses.
Incident Details
The raccoon entered the ABC liquor store through a ceiling tile around Black Friday, smashing bottles of scotch and whisky on lower shelves before collapsing between a toilet and trash bin. Staff found it intoxicated but uninjured, and it was taken to a shelter to sober up before release into nearby woods. Images of the chaos and the passed-out animal went viral.
Prior Break-Ins
This marks the raccoon's third suspected intrusion in the same commercial complex. It previously entered a karate studio and a DMV office, where it snacked on treats. Officials chose not to relocate it, as that harms raccoons, and noted its cleverness in returning each time.
Animal Behavior
Raccoons' adaptability, climbing skills, and scavenging habits draw them to urban areas amid shrinking habitats. Officer Martin called it a "smart little critter" likely to strike again. The story drew global attention, even inspiring SNL sketches.
