Staff at a Virginia liquor store walked into an unexpected scene on Saturday when they discovered a very drunk raccoon passed out on the floor after breaking into the shop.
The “masked bandit” was found lying unconscious in the bathroom between the toilet and the trash bin, surrounded by smashed bottles and spilled liquor. According to staff at the Ashland ABC store, the thirsty intruder targeted bottom-shelf spirits—especially scotch.
The break-in happened while the store was closed for Thanksgiving, turning it into what employees called a “Black Friday break-in.” When workers arrived the next morning, they discovered damaged ceiling tiles, indicating the raccoon had fallen through before going on a “full-blown rampage, drinking everything,” according to animal control officer Samantha Martin.
The raccoon was taken to Hanover County Animal Protection and Shelter to sober up and undergo a health check. After a few hours of sleep and no signs of injury—aside from an expected hangover—the animal was safely released back into the wild.
Only one blurry CCTV image captured the chaotic event, leaving the exact amount of alcohol consumed a mystery.
The store later thanked animal control officers for their help and for giving their “unexpected visitor a sober ride home.” Officer Martin joked that it was “just another day in the life of an animal control officer.”
