Authorities in Virginia are probing a peculiar incident at a state-operated liquor store where an inebriated raccoon crashed through the ceiling, vandalized the premises, and was found passed out in the bathroom.
The furry intruder caused chaos by breaking bottles and leaving a strong smell of alcohol in the store. Initially mistaken for a routine burglary, the situation took a bizarre turn when the raccoon was discovered the next day.
The intoxicated culprit, identified as a raccoon, was located in a compromised state between a toilet and a trash bin by Hanover County Animal Protection and Shelter officials. The animal was described as “very intoxicated.”
Following the discovery, an animal control officer safely apprehended the raccoon and took it back to the shelter for sobriety. After a brief period of rest with no apparent injuries, the raccoon was released back into the wild with a hope of learning from its actions.
Reports indicate that the raccoon gained entry by breaking through a ceiling tile, disabling the store’s CCTV system in the process, hampering the investigation. Staff found the aisle drenched in alcohol and littered with glass shards after the raccoon ravaged through the stock, showing a preference for hard liquor over wine.
While the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority has not commented on the incident, similar encounters involving wildlife have been on the rise in the United States. Raccoons, known for their curiosity and climbing skills, have been increasingly venturing into human spaces due to urban food waste and habitat loss.
These nocturnal creatures have been seen exhibiting drunken-like behavior in the wild after consuming fermented fruit, leading to incidents of them causing damage in human environments. The Virginia break-in is just one in a series of raccoon-related incidents in liquor stores across the country.
Despite the chaos caused, officials have barred the raccoon from returning to the store, ensuring that no harm was done to anyone except for the broken bottles. The store expressed gratitude to Officer Martin for safely escorting the raccoon back to its natural habitat after its misadventure.
