Raccoon Launches Late-Night Liquor Store Rampage in Virginia

A raccoon embarked on a chaotic escapade at a liquor store in Ashland, Virginia, early on Saturday, March 16, 2024. The creature broke into the closed establishment and caused significant damage while indulging in a variety of alcoholic beverages. The aftermath revealed a scene reminiscent of a wild party, with shattered bottles and spilled liquor decorating the floor.

Upon discovery, an employee found the raccoon passed out on the bathroom floor, a comical end to its late-night antics. Samantha Martin, an officer with local animal control, described the raccoon’s behavior as both amusing and reckless. “He fell through one of the ceiling tiles and went on a full-blown rampage, drinking everything,” she reported.

The raccoon’s adventure began when it accessed the store during the night, targeting the bottom shelf where premium scotch and whisky were stored. Its nocturnal foray resulted in broken bottles and even a ceiling tile collapse. The liquor store sustained considerable damage, but the raccoon emerged unscathed—albeit with a likely hangover.

Animal Control Rescues Wayward Raccoon

Martin, who took charge of the situation, humorously reflected on the incident. “Another day in the life of an animal control officer, I guess,” she quipped. After recovering the raccoon, she transported it to the local animal shelter. The Hanover County Animal Protection and Shelter praised Martin for her handling of the bizarre break-in, noting that the raccoon was safely released back into the wild after a period of rest.

“After a few hours of sleep and zero signs of injury (other than maybe a hangover and poor life choices), he was safely released back to the wild,” the agency confirmed. They expressed hope that the raccoon had learned a valuable lesson about the consequences of its actions.

This unusual incident has sparked interest and laughter among local residents, highlighting the often unpredictable nature of wildlife. Raccoons, known for their curiosity and intelligence, can sometimes find themselves in tricky situations, and this particular raccoon certainly provided a memorable story for the community.

As the story circulates, it serves as a reminder of the unexpected encounters that can arise between humans and wildlife, often leading to humorous—and occasionally chaotic—situations.