A raccoon that smashed its way into the Ashland ABC liquor store on Nov. 29 and was found passed out in the bathroom has been identified as a repeat trespasser. Officer Samantha Martin said on Dec. 11 that this was the animal’s third known break-in, including earlier entries at a karate studio and the DMV. Authorities did not relocate the animal because release elsewhere often proves fatal; the incident also inspired three tongue-in-cheek cocktails from the state alcohol authority.
Repeat Offender: Intoxicated Raccoon Nabbed After Liquor-Store Bender — Authorities Reveal Two Earlier Break-Ins
Hanover County Animal Protection and Shelter/FacebookRaccoon Breaks Into Liquor Store
On Nov. 29, a raccoon forced its way into the Ashland ABC liquor store in Hanover County, Virginia, knocked dozens of bottles from the shelves and was later found passed out in a bathroom, Hanover County Animal Protection (HCAP) said. Photos released by authorities showed aisles strewn with shattered gin and whiskey bottles and the animal lying face down with its limbs splayed beside a toilet.
Officer: This Wasn’t His First Break-In
Animal Protection Officer Samantha Martin, who responded to the scene, told the Here In Hanover podcast on Dec. 11 that the Nov. 29 incident was the raccoon’s third known trespass. "This is not the first time he’s been in one of the buildings," Martin said, noting two earlier incidents: one at a karate studio and another at the local Department of Motor Vehicles, where the animal reportedly ate some staff snacks.
Hanover County Animal Protection and Shelter/FacebookVirginia liquor store
“Relocating a raccoon is essentially a death sentence,” Martin explained, describing why authorities did not release the animal far from its home. Instead, officers handle urban wildlife with the animal’s survival in mind.
The county described the raccoon as "very intoxicated" when found. The story captured widespread attention online, prompting the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority to lean into the joke by announcing three playful cocktails inspired by the incident: the Trash Panda Old Fashioned, Midnight Masked Gin Fizz and Rye Rascal Sour.
Why This Matters
Beyond the viral humor, the episode highlights practical wildlife-management concerns: moving urban animals to unfamiliar territories can severely reduce their chances of survival, influencing how animal-protection officers respond to repeat trespassers. Martin offered a light-hearted closing about the raccoon’s behavior: "I hope he learned his lesson. But I just say, 'Enjoy your life.' I think he’s living his best life — and why not? Have a drink or two, especially on Black Friday."
Authorities continue to monitor human-wildlife interactions and urge the public to secure trash, food and building access to reduce tempting encounters with wildlife.
