By Liz O'Connell and Alice GibbsShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberAn unlikely suspect was taken into custody after a break-in at a Virginia liquor store this week—an intoxicated raccoon that authorities say ransacked the shop and later passed out in a bathroom.
Hanover County Animal Protection and Shelter said in a Tuesday Facebook post that an officer responded Saturday morning to a call at the Ashland ABC Store, where the animal was found inside after “breaking in” and knocking bottles from shelves.
“The suspect? A very intoxicated raccoon,” the agency wrote, describing the response as a “Black Friday Break-In” and a “liquor-fueled rampage.”
Photos shared by the agency show broken glass and spilled liquor across the store floor, as well as a raccoon sprawled on the bathroom tile near a toilet after one too many. Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority Communications Specialist Billy Fellin told Newsweek via email that the raccoon damaged 14 bottles of spirits worth about $250. No other damage was found, and the store opened after the cleanup.
...Officer Martin from Animal Protection arrived at the scene, safely secured the trash panda and transported it to the shelter, the post said. After several hours, staff observed “zero signs of injury," and with a clean bill of health, the raccoon was released back into the wild.
Raccoons are known to be dumpster divers, willing to eat anything they can get their tiny hands on, but their natural diet consists of fruits, nuts, insects, small animals, and eggs, an article from the Institute for Environmental Research and Education stated. But when their hunger strikes, they'll go for anything, as evident in the liquor store break-in.
Alcohol, even in small doses, can be extremely toxic to raccoons. The liquor affects their nervous system, sometimes leading to incoordination, respiratory depression and death. Chocolate, onions, garlic, artificial sweeteners, avocados, grapes and bread dough are also toxic to raccoons.
Fellin said the raccoon impacted the security system when entering from the ceiling, which triggered a power outage alert from the security company. Virginia ABC shared a still photo from the security camera, but did not provide a video.
...The agency commended the officer for the quick response: "A big shout-out to Officer Martin for handling this chaotic scene with professionalism and good humor. Just another day in the life at Hanover Animal Protection!"
Fellin added: "Virginia ABC appreciates the professionalism of Hanover County Animal Control in responding and providing our visitor with a sober ride home. We continue to work closely with local law enforcement partners across the Commonwealth."
The post quickly drew jokes and disbelief from Facebook users over the "party animal," garnering over 8,800 reactions, 4,700 likes, and 931 comments within a day.
“Somebody get this raccoon a sponsor because CLEARLY he’s living too fast,” one commenter wrote.
Another added: "He is just trying to get into the holiday spirit too lol."
A third person said: "Bless him, he just didn't make good choices that day."
Newsweek reached out to Hanover County Animal Protection and Shelter via email for comment.
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