Intoxicated Raccoon Found in Ashland Liquor Store

In Ashland, Virginia, a raccoon broke into a state-run liquor store over the weekend, ransacked shelves of alcohol, and was later found passed out in the bathroom, according to local animal control officials.

The incident occurred at the Ashland ABC store, where an employee discovered the damage early Saturday morning following what appeared to be a Black Friday break-in. Bottles of scotch and whiskey lay smashed on the floor, shelves were in disarray, and alcohol had pooled across the premises. The raccoon, described by officials as highly intoxicated, had apparently gained entry by falling through a ceiling tile, which also knocked out the store's surveillance system and left investigators without video evidence.

Hanover County Animal Protection and Shelter responded to the call. Officer Samantha Martin arrived at the scene and located the raccoon slumped on the bathroom floor near the toilet. "I personally like raccoons," Martin said. "They are funny little critters." She noted that the animal had gone on a full-blown rampage, sampling various spirits, particularly those on the lower shelves. Martin secured the raccoon without incident and transported it to the shelter for...