A notorious raccoon, known for its mischievous antics, has been unmasked as the culprit behind a series of thefts at a Virginia liquor store.
The escapades of this furry bandit came to light last month when employees at a liquor store in Ashland, Virginia, reported that several shelves had been raided, culminating in the animal passing out in the store's bathroom. According to The New York Times, the culprit was indeed a raccoon. "It wreaked havoc," stated Carol Mawyer, public relations manager for Virginia ABC. "It broke several bottles and consumed the spirits."
An animal control officer was dispatched to the scene, capturing the raccoon and transporting it to a shelter.
Chief Jeff Parker of Hanover County Animal Protection and Shelter noted that the raccoon, after spending about an hour and a half in custody, awoke seemingly unscathed. The animal was subsequently released back into the wild. As reported by Western Journal, Animal Protection Officer Samantha Martin disclosed that this was not the raccoon's first foray into the strip mall where the liquor store is located.
"This is not the first time hes been in one of the buildings," Martin remarked, adding that the raccoon had previously infiltrated a karate studio and even the DMV, where it indulged in some snacks.
Martin took precautions to ensure the raccoon did not pose a threat to anyone, as a bite would necessitate euthanizing the animal to test for rabies. "For his safety, I was dead set 'Do not touch this animal. We need him back into the wild,'" she emphasized.
"Because he didnt do anything wrong. He was just having a good time!" Martin further explained that relocating the raccoon would be a death sentence, as these creatures have a knack for returning to familiar haunts. "But somehow he knows how to get back in this building. Hes a smart little critter!" she noted.
Despite the raccoon's release, Martin acknowledged the likelihood of its return to the scene of its previous escapades. "I hope he learned his lesson," she mused. "But I just say, enjoy your life. I think hes living his best life and why not? Have a drink or two, especially on Black Friday!"
The incident garnered more attention than Martin anticipated, resonating with many who saw the humor in the situation. "I think people can see the human side of it and everybodys been there," she said. "Everybodys had a few extra and passed out by the toilet and hoped somebody can come and help you the next morning."
The unexpected publicity has resulted in a windfall for the shelter, with $200,000 in donations pouring in. "We desperately need [the money] because our shelter is extremely old," Martin explained.
"And the county is growing like wildfire we cant keep up. We need more kennel space, we need a bigger well we just need a bigger shelter, for the size of the county." Expressing gratitude to the donors, she conveyed, "You have no idea what you have done. We are so, so grateful. The animals, truly, are blessed and we do try our very best to save [every animal]."
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