In what authorities are calling one of the most bizarre break-ins they’ve ever encountered, a raccoon turned a Virginia liquor store into his personal watering hole over the weekend, leaving behind a trail of destruction and one very hungover masked bandit.
The furry perpetrator struck the closed liquor store in Ashland, Virginia, in the early hours of Saturday morning, targeting the establishment’s bottom shelf where premium scotch and whisky were displayed. What followed can only be described as an alcohol-fueled rampage that would make even the rowdiest bar patron blush.
When store employees arrived to open for business, they discovered a scene of complete chaos. Shattered bottles littered the floor, creating puddles of expensive spirits throughout the store. The ceiling had partially collapsed from the raccoon’s antics, with tiles scattered among the broken glass and spilled alcohol.
But the real surprise came when they ventured into the bathroom – there, sprawled unconscious on the floor, was the culprit himself. The intoxicated raccoon had apparently drunk himself into a stupor and passed out, completely oblivious to the mayhem he had created.
Local wildlife officials and law enforcement responded to what initially seemed like a standard burglary call, only to find themselves dealing with Virginia’s most unlikely drunk and disorderly case. The raccoon, clearly suffering from a severe hangover, was carefully removed from the premises by animal control officers.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges businesses face with wildlife intrusions, particularly as urban development continues to encroach on natural habitats. Raccoons, known for their dexterous paws and problem-solving abilities, have become increasingly bold in their quest for food and shelter.
The Hanover County Animal Protection team shared images of the unconscious raccoon on social media, where the photos quickly went viral, drawing both sympathy and amusement from viewers across the country. The raccoon appeared to be sleeping off his bender peacefully, curled up on the bathroom floor like any other partygoer who had overindulged.
Store management is now assessing the damage and reviewing security measures to prevent future four-legged break-ins. Meanwhile, the raccoon was released back into the wild after sobering up, though wildlife experts suspect he may be nursing quite the headache.
This unusual incident serves as a reminder that when it comes to wildlife encounters, expect the unexpected – even if it involves a raccoon with an apparent taste for top-shelf liquor.
