Key facts
- A raccoon broke into a Virginia liquor store.
- The animal smashed bottles and consumed alcohol.
- The raccoon was found unconscious on the bathroom floor.
- Animal control officers safely released the raccoon after it recovered.
A raccoon caused a disturbance at a liquor store in Ashland, Virginia, after breaking in early Saturday morning. The animal reportedly fell through a ceiling tile and proceeded to smash bottles on the bottom shelf, consuming a significant amount of alcohol. Employees discovered the intoxicated raccoon passed out on the bathroom floor later that morning.
Officer Samantha Martin from local animal control responded to the scene. She noted the raccoon's "rampage" and its apparent enjoyment of the alcohol. Martin took the raccoon to the animal shelter, where it was able to recover overnight. The Hanover County Animal Protection and Shelter confirmed that the raccoon showed no signs of injury and was safely released back into its natural habitat, with a hopeful message about learning from its "poor life choices."