Picture courtesy of Hanover County Animal Protection and Shelter

 

In an unexpected turn of events, a raccoon was discovered unconscious in a Virginia liquor store after a boozy escapade. The critter was found passed out on the floor between the toilet and bin, having indulged in bottles from the bottom shelf of the Ashland ABC store. Staff encountered the shocking scene upon arrival after the store was closed for Thanksgiving.

 

The furry intruder reportedly fell through a ceiling tile and embarked on a drinking spree, smashing bottles and leaving liquor strewn across the floor. One particular drink, scotch, seemed to be its preferred choice. Only a blurry CCTV image captured its “Black Friday break-in,” leaving the exact amount of alcohol consumed by the raccoon a mystery.

 

Animal control officer Samantha Martin took charge of removing the intoxicated animal, transporting it to Hanover County Animal Protection and Shelter for recovery. After sleeping off the effects with no injuries aside from a probable hangover, the raccoon was released safely back into the wild.

 

In a light-hearted response, the store expressed gratitude to the animal shelter for providing their uninvited guest with a "sober ride home." Officer Martin noted the incident was just another routine day for an animal control officer. The raccoon’s misadventure serves as a surprising reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the unlikely situations it can create.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• A raccoon broke into a Virginia liquor store, consuming alcohol and passing out.
• The animal fell through a ceiling tile, causing substantial chaos inside the store.
• Post-recovery, the raccoon was released without injuries by animal control staff.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-12-04

 

 

 

Glad the bandit was able to sleep it off and return home safely.

 

Raised a couple of these fellas and they are pretty smart, they can figure out how some door latches work and crack open doors enough to slip inside given some time.  Now he knows where to get some free drinks he might return again.

Raccoon's are awesome.

 

Can't handle their drink though...

Good thing he didn't try to drive home, eh!