ASHLAND, Va. (AP) — A humorous incident took place in Ashland, Virginia, when a masked intruder broke into a closed liquor store early on Saturday, targeting the bottom shelf where scotch and whisky bottles were stored. The surprise burglar wreaked havoc in the store, causing bottles to smash, a ceiling tile to collapse, and leaving alcohol pooling on the floor.
However, this wasn't your typical burglar; the suspect turned out to be a raccoon, often referred to as a "trash panda" due to its scavenging habits. On Saturday morning, an employee arrived at the liquor store to find the intoxicated raccoon passed out on the bathroom floor after indulging in a wild drinking spree.
Samantha Martin, an officer from the local animal control, expressed her fondness for raccoons, stating, “They are funny little critters.” She went on to detail how the raccoon fell through one of the ceiling tiles, leading to its full-blown rampage as it consumed various alcoholic beverages.
Martin eventually took the raccoon back to the animal shelter, sharing that she had quite a few laughs during the process. “Another day in the life of an animal control officer, I guess,” she remarked, reflecting on her amusing experiences.
The Hanover County Animal Protection and Shelter later praised Martin for her handling of the unusual break-in, confirming that the raccoon had sobered up after a few hours of sleep. The agency noted that there were no signs of injury on the animal, aside from what could be interpreted as a hangover and potentially poor decision-making skills.
The raccoon was eventually released back into the wild, with hopes that it had learned a valuable lesson about the repercussions of breaking and entering. This incident not only showcased the whimsical nature of wildlife but also reminded the community of the unexpected adventures that can arise in everyday situations.
Ashland, Virginia, witnessed a unique and entertaining scenario that highlighted the lighter side of animal interactions with human establishments. The story of the raccoon’s misadventure serves as a comical reminder of the unpredictable and often hilarious ways wildlife can intersect with urban life.
