Intoxicated Raccoon Causes Stir After Breaking Into Virginia Liquor Store

A small Virginia community was left stunned after an unexpected intruder—a wild raccoon—broke into a local liquor store and proceeded to consume several varieties of alcohol before passing out in the bathroom. The bizarre incident, which unfolded earlier this week, has quickly become the talk of the town.

According to staff members on duty, the raccoon slipped into the store early in the morning before business hours, likely entering through an unsecured vent at the back of the building. Store clerks explained that they discovered the animal only after noticing unusual noises coming from the aisles. One employee stated that they initially assumed a stray dog had wandered in, only to find “a raccoon wobbling between shelves like it owned the place,” according to eyewitness accounts from the scene.

The intoxicated animal appeared to have sampled several open bottles, including rum, locally brewed moonshine, and a flavored peanut-butter whiskey. Staff believe the raccoon managed to knock the bottles over and consume the spills directly from the floor. The store manager reported that by the time they attempted to corner the animal for removal, it had already staggered into the bathroom, where it eventually collapsed due to excessive alcohol intake.

Emergency services were contacted, and animal control officers arrived within minutes. According to officials who responded, the raccoon was found “completely unresponsive but breathing,” a condition they attributed to acute alcohol intoxication. The animal was carefully transported to a nearby wildlife rehabilitation centre, where veterinary staff worked to stabilize it.

Experts at the rehabilitation centre said the raccoon is expected to make a full recovery, as reported by local wildlife handlers familiar with such cases. They added that while alcohol consumption among wild animals is uncommon, it is not entirely unheard of—especially when strong scents such as sweetened whiskey attract curious creatures.

Local authorities have urged businesses to secure entry points to prevent similar incidents. The store owner said the event, though humorous in hindsight, highlighted serious safety concerns for both wildlife and property.

The raccoon remains under observation but is reportedly awake, alert, and recovering well, according to staff overseeing its care.