Drunk Raccoon Ransacks Virginia Liquor Store, Passes Out in Bathroom

A raccoon turned “night-time burglar” after breaking into a liquor store in Ashland, Virginia and consuming alcohol — before collapsing from apparent intoxication in the store bathroom. 

According to the local animal-protection agency, the animal gained entry sometime overnight by falling through a ceiling tile. Once inside, it knocked down bottles, smashed shelves, and helped itself to various liquors, including scotch and whiskey stored on the bottom shelves. The mess was discovered by staff early Saturday morning, who initially assumed the store had been burgled by a human. 

When workers checked the store, they found the “masked burglar” asleep on the bathroom floor, with clear signs of heavy drinking. The local animal-control officer, Samantha Martin, later arrived, retrieved the raccoon, and placed it under shelter care until it sobered up. Officials say the animal was physically unharmed and was released back into the wild after a few hours of recovery. 

The incident has drawn widespread attention — partly because it’s so unusual, and partly because it underscores how urban-dwelling wildlife continues to adapt to human environments. Experts point out that animals like raccoons, which thrive on human waste and accessible food sources, often roam cities and can exploit unexpected opportunities. 

While this story may feel outrageous, wildlife officers say it highlights a growing challenge: ensuring safe coexistence between humans and wild animals. Store owners are being reminded to secure premises carefully, especially over holiday periods; residents are urged to properly seal trash and food waste to avoid attracting wildlife seeking easy meals — or in this case, an impromptu liquor binge.

For the raccoon in Ashland, though, the night likely ended with a hangover — and a reminder that breaking and entering is never a good idea, even for a “trash panda.”