A brazen raccoon turned a quiet Virginia liquor store into its personal bar, smashing bottles and passing out drunk—highlighting how even wildlife exploits weak defenses in state-run businesses under lax oversight.
Story Snapshot
- Raccoon broke into Ashland ABC store via ceiling in late November 2025, ransacked shelves, drank spilled rum, moonshine, peanut butter whiskey, vodka, and eggnog.
- Found passed out on bathroom floor; no injuries, sobered up at Hanover shelter, then released to wild.
- Surveillance video captured unsteady antics, fueling viral spread to CBS News and SNL sketch portraying it as serial offender.
- Store faced inventory loss and cleanup; animal control handled professionally amid humorous public framing.
The Break-In Unfolds
In early hours of a late November 2025 Saturday, a raccoon entered a closed Virginia ABC liquor store in Ashland, Hanover County, through the ceiling from the roof. The animal fell through a ceiling tile into the retail area. It knocked down bottles, especially bottom-shelf scotch and whiskey, creating spills across the floor. Surveillance footage showed the raccoon climbing shelves unsteadily before retreating to the bathroom.
Discovery and Professional Response
Store staff arrived Saturday morning and found the raccoon unconscious on the bathroom floor amid broken glass and alcohol pools. Hanover County Animal Control Officer Samantha Martin responded promptly. She transported the animal to the county shelter for monitoring. After a few hours, officials confirmed no injuries beyond intoxication, joking about its hangover and poor choices. The raccoon sobered up and returned to the wild same day.
Viral Spread and Media Amplification
CBS News published details on December 3, 2025, with photos and quotes from Martin calling raccoons funny critters. The next day, CBS shared surveillance video listing the raccoon’s eclectic drinks: rum, moonshine, peanut butter whiskey, vodka, eggnog. The store’s PR manager released the footage, emphasizing the chaotic night. By December 7, Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update featured a sketch depicting the raccoon as a habitual boozehound defending its bender.
Context and Broader Implications
Raccoons thrive in Virginia suburbs, scavenging near buildings and exploiting vulnerabilities like roof access. This incident echoes a May 2025 Ohio case where police found a raccoon with a meth pipe in a suspect vehicle. While humorous, it spotlights property risks in state-regulated stores amid growing urban wildlife interfaces. Retailers may now prioritize ceiling reinforcements to curb such opportunistic invasions. The light-hearted handling preserved public trust in local agencies without escalating to drastic measures.
Lessons for Property Owners
Businesses in raccoon-heavy areas face uninvited guests via structural gaps, leading to damage and losses. This Virginia ABC store cleaned up spills and resumed operations swiftly, avoiding long disruptions. Non-lethal release by animal control sets a humane precedent, balancing welfare and safety. Yet, recurring odd stories underscore needs for better prevention, protecting taxpayer-funded assets from nature’s bold intruders. Common-sense fixes like sealed vents prevent future trash panda takeovers.
Sources:
“Raccoon passes out on Virginia liquor store bathroom floor after drunken rampage” (CBS News/AP).
