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Well, we’ve all been there, right?
A routine shift turned into a surreal clean-up operation for staff at a liquor store in Ashland, Virginia, after they discovered a trail of wreckage left by an unexpected overnight visitor.
The intruder had smashed bottles, toppled equipment and left the premises in disarray.
What workers didn’t expect was that the culprit was a raccoon that had apparently fallen through the ceiling, consumed alcohol and then passed out on the floor.
Nope, it’s not a joke
According to reports shared by Hanover County Animal Protection and Shelter, the animal broke into the state-run ABC store late on November 28.
In the process, it destroyed CCTV cameras and scattered bottles across the aisles before stumbling into the bathroom.
Responding officer Samantha Martin told followers on the shelter’s social media page that the raccoon “fell through one of the ceiling tiles and went on a full-blown rampage, drinking everything”. She added, “I personally like raccoons. They are funny little critters.”
Police and animal welfare staff described a “chaotic scene” when they arrived, finding the disoriented creature unconscious on the floor.
Sobering recovery
The raccoon was taken to an animal shelter to sleep off the alcohol, according to the county shelter. Martin said, “Another day in the life of an animal control officer, I guess,” noting that the animal showed no obvious injuries.
Staff later confirmed it was released several hours afterwards, once it appeared fully alert. In a statement, the shelter remarked that aside from “maybe a hangover and poor life choices”, the raccoon was unharmed and returned to the wild.
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Wider concerns
Raccoons, which are native to North America, are known for their strength, sharp claws and ability to carry dangerous diseases such as rabies, Raccoon Roundworm and leptospirosis.
Health officials regularly warn that encounters can pose risks to both people and pets.
In a separate incident on December 1, a man in Cherokee County, Georgia, required hospital treatment after being bitten while attempting to help an injured raccoon.
