Hanover County, Virginia — Residents of Hanover County, Virginia, are buzzing after an unusual break-in at a local ABC (Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority) store led to a furry “suspect,” a mess of shattered bottles, and a surprising wave of promotional merchandise.
Officials say a raccoon broke into the Ashland ABC location overnight, caused significant damage, became “intoxicated,” and eventually passed out in the bathroom before being rescued by animal protection officers.
Raccoon Found Passed Out After Causing Overnight Chaos
According to a post from Hanover County Animal Protection & Shelter, officer Samantha Martin responded to a call on the morning of Saturday, Nov. 29, after store employees discovered extensive damage and an unexpected guest. The raccoon had reportedly fallen through the store’s ceiling, smashed dozens of bottles, and ransacked multiple shelves filled with alcohol.
Officials said the raccoon appeared heavily intoxicated when they found him in the bathroom.
Shelter staff jokingly referred to him as a “masked bandit”, noting that he was taken into custody and brought to their facility to “sober up.” After recovering, the animal was safely released back into the wild.
The shelter added that while they are unsure where the raccoon is now, his brief crime spree has turned him into a local celebrity.
Viral Incident Sparks Merchandise and Campaigns
What started as a mischievous wildlife encounter has since grown into a full-blown marketing moment. Limited-edition T-shirts featuring the raccoon have been launched by the Hanover County Animal Protection & Shelter, celebrating the furry troublemaker’s now-iconic ABC store adventure.
Meanwhile, the Virginia ABC has embraced the incident with a digital promotional campaign titled “Raccoon’s Recommendations.” The artwork features the raccoon posing alongside various types of alcohol, including bourbon, vodka, tequila, and other spirits—turning the once-disoriented animal into a tongue-in-cheek brand ambassador.
Officials said the campaign blends humor with lighthearted messaging about responsible alcohol purchases, making the raccoon a surprising symbol for the agency’s outreach.
ABC Releases Cocktails Inspired by the “Trashed Panda”
In addition to merchandise and artwork, the Virginia ABC created three cocktail recipes inspired by what they jokingly call the “trashed panda.” While the raccoon certainly didn’t stick around to bartend, the ABC invited customers to try the drinks themselves.
The themed cocktails include:
- Rye Rascal Sour
- Trash Panda Old Fashioned
- Midnight Gin Fizz
Each recipe can be viewed by clicking the respective cocktail in ABC’s online post. The drinks are intended as a playful nod to the incident, capturing the chaotic charm of the raccoon’s late-night escapade.
Surveillance Footage Finally Released
Adding another twist, the Virginia ABC recently released surveillance footage of the event, despite earlier doubts that any would be recoverable. Officials had previously warned that the raccoon appeared to destroy several security cameras when he fell through the ceiling, raising concerns that the footage might not exist.
However, enough video was salvaged to show the animal making its unexpected entrance and wreaking havoc throughout the store. The footage has since circulated widely on social media, further cementing the raccoon’s status as a rogue local legend.
Read Also: California Homeowner Battles 500-Pound Black Bear Living Beneath His House: “It’s Very Unnerving”
Community Reacts With Humor and Curiosity
The bizarre incident has left residents amused and captivated. Many have taken to social media to joke about the raccoon’s taste in alcohol, while others are eager to buy the T-shirts or try the themed cocktails. For local wildlife enthusiasts, the episode serves as a reminder of how unpredictable animal encounters can be—especially when alcohol is involved.
As of now, the raccoon’s whereabouts remain unknown, but his celebrity status is unmistakable. From merchandise to cocktails, he has become an unexpected symbol of holiday-season chaos and community humor in Hanover County.
Share Your Thoughts
What do you think about the raccoon’s wild adventure — adorable mishap or unexpected marketing gold?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
