In a bizarre incident over the Thanksgiving weekend, a raccoon found its way into a Virginia liquor store, indulging in a variety of spirits before passing out in the bathroom. The Ashland ABC store, closed for the holiday, was greeted by a scene of chaos on Saturday morning, with smashed bottles and spilled liquor marking the raccoon's path.

A Boozy Break-In

The raccoon, dubbed the "masked bandit," reportedly fell through a ceiling tile, embarking on a spree through the store's spirits section. Samantha Martin, an animal control officer, described the scene as a "full-blown rampage," with the raccoon sampling various bottles before succumbing to its inebriation. The animal was discovered sprawled between the toilet and bin, seemingly sleeping off its indulgence.

Safe Return to the Wild

After being transported to the Hanover County Animal Protection and Shelter, the raccoon was given time to sober up. Fortunately, it showed no signs of injury aside from a potential hangover. The animal was later released back into the wild, with hopes that it had learned a lesson about breaking and entering.

Raccoons in Urban Environments

This incident highlights the adaptability of raccoons to urban settings. Recent studies suggest that raccoons are exhibiting physical changes akin to early domestication, such as shorter snouts and smaller teeth. Dr. Raffaela Lesch, a biology professor, notes that raccoons thrive in cities by exploiting human refuse, which provides an easy food source.

Alcohol in the Animal Kingdom

Interestingly, alcohol consumption is not unique to humans. Many animals, particularly those consuming sugary fruits and nectar, regularly ingest fermented substances. This phenomenon is observed across various ecosystems, with reports of other animals, like a feral pig in Australia, engaging in similar antics.