Raccoon Found Passed Out in Liquor Store Bathroom After Break-In, Officials Say

ASHLAND, Va. — December 2, 2025

A raccoon that broke into a Virginia liquor store early Saturday morning was found unconscious in the store’s bathroom after knocking merchandise from shelves and accessing alcohol, according to officials with the HANOVER COUNTY ANIMAL PROTECTION AND SHELTER. The information regarding the incident was documented in reports citing statements from responding officers and store personnel.

According to details released by the HANOVER COUNTY ANIMAL PROTECTION AND SHELTER, the animal entered the store before employees arrived for the day, moved through multiple aisles, and caused damage to shelf displays. The responding officers reported that the raccoon had consumed alcohol inside the store before collapsing in the restroom, where an employee discovered it and contacted authorities. The shelter stated that the raccoon was “very intoxicated” when officers secured it and transported it for evaluation.

Officials from the HANOVER COUNTY ANIMAL PROTECTION AND SHELTER noted that the raccoon showed no signs of physical injury and appeared to be suffering only the effects of intoxication. After several hours of monitoring, the animal recovered sufficiently to be released back into the wild in accordance with standard procedure for non-injured wildlife. Personnel from the VIRGINIA ABC STORE involved in the initial discovery reported the event to authorities, and no additional public safety issues were identified beyond the property damage noted at the scene.

The incident highlights the occasional intersection between wildlife and commercial properties in regions like Virginia and the broader Appalachian area. While break-ins of this nature remain uncommon, wildlife officials regularly advise businesses to secure access points and maintain awareness of potential attractants, such as food waste or product displays accessible through vulnerable entry areas.

Our reporting always prioritizes first-hand government sources. Claims made in public statements, agency reports, or interviews are documented as statements, not treated as verified facts unless primary evidence exists. When first-hand data cannot confirm a detail, we simply report that we could not confirm it, avoiding speculation or assumptions. Our goal is to return reporting to clarity, documentation, and transparency — the way it was intended.

Primary First-Hand Sources:
– HANOVER COUNTY ANIMAL PROTECTION AND SHELTER – Statements regarding the incident and the evaluation of the raccoon
– VIRGINIA ABC STORE PERSONNEL – Initial report and call for response

Secondary Attribution-Based Sources:
– Regional news coverage summarizing agency statements
– National wire reports referencing the shelter’s account

– WVVA (local coverage summarizing shelter statements)