Ashland, Virginia, December 3, 2025
In Ashland, Virginia, a raccoon caused chaos in a liquor store after breaking in, ransacking the shelves, and consuming alcohol. The raccoon entered through a ceiling tile, created a significant mess, and was later found passed out in the bathroom by an employee. Local animal control safely captured the animal, ensured it sobered up, and released it back into the wild without injuries. The Hanover County Animal Protection and Shelter humorously noted the raccoon’s adventure as a lesson on the consequences of breaking and entering.
Ashland, Virginia – Raccoon Causes Havoc in Liquor Store, Passes Out in Bathroom
Ashland, Virginia – A raccoon broke into a Virginia liquor store, ransacked shelves, and passed out in the bathroom after consuming alcohol. The incident occurred early on Saturday morning at a store in Ashland, Virginia. The raccoon entered through a ceiling tile, knocked over bottles of scotch and whisky, and created a mess before passing out on the store’s bathroom floor. An employee discovered the raccoon the next morning and contacted local animal control. The raccoon was safely captured, taken to a shelter to sober up, and later released back into the wild without injuries. The Hanover County Animal Protection and Shelter praised the handling of the situation and humorously suggested the raccoon may have learned a lesson about the consequences of breaking and entering.
Incident Details
The raccoon caused significant damage by breaking into the liquor store and consuming alcohol. It was found unconscious in the store’s bathroom the following morning. Local animal control officers responded to the scene, safely capturing the raccoon and transporting it to a shelter to recover. After several hours of rest, the raccoon showed no signs of injury and was released back into the wild. The Hanover County Animal Protection and Shelter humorously noted that the raccoon may have learned a lesson about the consequences of breaking and entering.
Background Information
Raccoons are common in Virginia, found in forests, parks, and sometimes in urban areas. They are known for their curiosity and adaptability, often seeking food in human environments. This incident highlights the challenges of managing wildlife interactions in populated areas. The Hanover County Animal Protection and Shelter commended the handling of the situation and emphasized the importance of safely managing such encounters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened in the Virginia liquor store?
A raccoon broke into a Virginia liquor store, ransacked shelves, and passed out in the bathroom after consuming alcohol. The incident occurred early on Saturday morning at a store in Ashland, Virginia. The raccoon entered through a ceiling tile, knocked over bottles of scotch and whisky, and created a mess before passing out on the store’s bathroom floor. An employee discovered the raccoon the next morning and contacted local animal control. The raccoon was safely captured, taken to a shelter to sober up, and later released back into the wild without injuries. The Hanover County Animal Protection and Shelter praised the handling of the situation and humorously suggested the raccoon may have learned a lesson about the consequences of breaking and entering.
How did the raccoon enter the store?
The raccoon entered the store through a ceiling tile, allowing it to access the interior and cause damage to the shelves and merchandise.
What happened to the raccoon after the incident?
The raccoon was safely captured by local animal control officers, taken to a shelter to sober up, and later released back into the wild without injuries. The Hanover County Animal Protection and Shelter humorously noted that the raccoon may have learned a lesson about the consequences of breaking and entering.
Are raccoons common in Virginia?
Yes, raccoons are common in Virginia, found in forests, parks, and sometimes in urban areas. They are known for their curiosity and adaptability, often seeking food in human environments.
What is the Hanover County Animal Protection and Shelter’s role in this incident?
The Hanover County Animal Protection and Shelter responded to the incident, safely capturing the raccoon, ensuring it sobered up without injuries, and releasing it back into the wild. They also humorously commented on the situation, suggesting the raccoon may have learned a lesson about the consequences of breaking and entering.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Ashland, Virginia |
| Time of Incident | Early Saturday morning |
| Animal Involved | Raccoon |
| Store Affected | Virginia liquor store in Ashland |
| Damage Caused | Smashed bottles, collapsed ceiling tile, alcohol spillage |
| Outcome | Raccoon captured, sobered up, and released back into the wild |
| Agency Involved | Hanover County Animal Protection and Shelter |
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