Viral raccoon caught drunk in liquor store confirmed as repeat offender in Virginia

Officials in Virginia have confirmed that the raccoon which went viral after being found drunk and passed out in a liquor store is a repeat offender.

The incident, which occurred at the start of December, drew widespread attention online after police in Hanover County shared photos of the animal lying near a toilet inside the store.

The Hanover County Animal Protection and Shelter reported that the raccoon had “sobered up” and returned to the shelter with no injuries apart from what was assumed to be a headache.

The animal was later released back into the wild, with shelter staff noting, “hopefully having learned that breaking and entering is not the answer.”

Animal Protection Officer Martin, who was the first responder to the incident, confirmed that this was not the raccoon’s first break-in. “We don’t know what time he got in there. Supposedly, he fell through the ceiling. This is not the first time he’s been in one of the buildings.

Supposedly, this is the third break-in he’s had,” she told the Hear in Hanover podcast. Officer Martin added that the raccoon had previously entered a karate studio and a DMV building, eating snacks on one occasion.

Despite the repeated incidents, the raccoon is not relocated due to safety concerns, and Officer Martin noted its intelligence in returning to familiar buildings. She described the scene in the liquor store as “funny,” with the raccoon face down by the toilet and the floor covered in smashed liquids. Staff and customers took photos while observing the animal, capturing a moment that quickly went viral online.

The raccoon’s repeated antics have continued to draw attention on social media, with fans sharing images and videos of the animal’s unusual behaviour in Virginia establishments.