Raccoon goes on drunken rampage in US liquor store
The raccoon was released into the wild after a few hours' sleep to sober up. (Supplied: Samantha Martin/Hanover County Protection)
In short:
A raccoon has left a trail of destruction after going on a drunken rampage in a US liquor store.
The suspect had one too many and ended up face down beside a toilet.
What's next?
The furry burglar was given a few hours to sober up and was then safely released back into the wild.
A thirsty raccoon broke into a liquor store in the US state of Virginia over the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend, had one too many and ended up in a heap on the floor.
On Saturday morning, local time, an employee at the store in Ashland found the furry suspect passed out in the bathroom at the end of his drunken escapade.
"I personally like raccoons," said Samantha Martin, an officer who works at the local animal control.
"They are funny little critters. He fell through one of the ceiling tiles and went on a full-blown rampage, drinking everything."
The suspect left a trail of broken glass and ended in a drunken heap on the floor. (Supplied: Samantha Martin/Hanover County Protection)
Officer Martin said she took the raccoon back to the animal shelter, though she had her fair share of giggles along the way.
"Another day in the life of an animal control officer, I guess," she said.
The Hanover County Animal Protection and Shelter commended Officer Martin for handling the break-in, and confirmed the raccoon had sobered up.
"After a few hours of sleep and zero signs of injury (other than maybe a hangover and poor life choices), he was safely released back to the wild, hopefully having learned that breaking and entering is not the answer," the agency said.
AP