This mischievous 'party animal' refuses to retire — and his wild streak is only getting bolder.
The now-famous 'drunk raccoon' who became an internet sensation after being caught on video gulping down whiskey and passing out face-first beside a toilet in a Virginia liquor store isn’t just a one-time offender. Authorities have revealed that this tipsy troublemaker has pulled off at least three separate break-ins — and somehow, he’s still on the loose. But here’s where it gets even more unbelievable: this furry outlaw might actually be a repeat visitor to the exact same crime scenes.
According to Animal Protection Officer Samantha Martin, the raccoon — affectionately dubbed by fans as a “booze bandit” — has been sneaking into nearby businesses around Ashland for quite some time. “This is definitely not his first rodeo,” Martin shared during an episode of the Hear In Hanover podcast. “He’s broken in about three times now. We caught him in a karate studio, and once he even made it into the DMV — helped himself to their snacks!” she said with a chuckle.
And this is the part most people miss: despite his record of mischief, the raccoon hasn’t been relocated. After being found surrounded by shattered whiskey and gin bottles on Black Friday, the hungover hooligan was allowed to sober up overnight and then set free near the same store he trashed. Martin explained that relocation would likely be fatal for raccoons — and besides, this clever critter always seems to find his way back. “He’s a smart little guy,” she said. “Somehow, he just knows how to get back in.”
The raccoon’s antics have since gone fully viral, inspiring not only endless memes but also custom t-shirts, novelty mugs, and cheeky bar creations — including drinks like the “Trash Panda Old Fashioned” and the “Midnight Masked Gin Fizz.” Fans can’t seem to get enough of the whiskey-loving bandit who’s turned chaos into comedy.
Still, Officer Martin hopes this will be the last time the furry felon goes on a binge. “I hope he’s learned his lesson,” she said with a sigh. “But honestly, he seems to be living his best life. Maybe we should all take a page from his book — just not the part about breaking in!”
Controversial take: Should this raccoon be treated like a local mascot, or should officials finally crack down on his midnight adventures? Is he a symbol of carefree resilience, or simply a menace with a cute face? Let’s hear your thoughts — would you raise a glass to this ‘trash panda outlaw,’ or call animal control instead?
