Authorities in Hanover County, Virginia, responded to a bizarre Black Friday incident after a raccoon reportedly broke into a local ABC liquor store, leaving a trail of smashed bottles in what officials called a “liquor-fueled rampage.”
The masked intruder, later identified as “Cole,” consumed alcohol, ransacked shelves and ended up passed out on the bathroom floor.
Officer Martin arrived at the store Saturday morning to find Cole sprawled in the sploot position, a flat-laying posture common among pets and wildlife.
The raccoon had apparently entered through the ceiling, disabling security cameras along the way and leaving authorities to rely on the chaotic scene for context, according to WRIC.
Hanover County Animal Protection and Shelter took custody of the intoxicated raccoon to allow him to sober up safely.
Officials shared a photo showing Cole lying next to a garbage can and toilet, describing him as “very intoxicated” but unharmed.
“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 shelter wrote.
The story quickly went viral online.
One X user joked, “And he was released on no charges. This justice system is broken.”
Another posted, “Oh my god, a drunken raccoon in a liquor store bathroom is the most perfectly bizarre news story! I hope its hangover isn’t too rough!”
Other posts called him a “party animal,” while one user remarked, “He’s had enough with 2025. We know, and there’s no judgement my dude.”
Authorities confirmed Cole appeared healthy after his brief stay, highlighting the shelter’s ability to manage wild animals in distress.
While the motive behind the break-in remains unknown, the incident underscores the unpredictable interactions between wildlife and urban spaces.
The Hanover County Animal Protection and Shelter provides temporary care for both wild and domestic animals in precarious or dangerous situations, coordinating veterinary care and safe release or adoption.
Shelter officials praised Officer Martin and police personnel for preventing further damage and ensuring Cole’s safety.
Local residents embraced the story with humor, sharing memes, videos and mock “wanted” posters.
Experts note such encounters are increasingly common as urban wildlife adapts to human environments, especially in areas where food waste and human activity overlap.
Wildlife specialists say raccoons are curious and intelligent animals capable of problem-solving, which sometimes leads them into unexpected—and hilarious—situations.
Ultimately, Cole’s liquor store adventure ended without injury.
The tale of the “masked bandit” serves as a reminder of the quirky, unpredictable side of urban wildlife while highlighting the critical role of animal shelters in rescuing and rehabilitating animals.
As Cole returned to the wild, the viral story provided both laughs and a moment of levity in the holiday season, showing how a single raccoon can capture national attention while sparking conversation about wildlife, public safety and the power of social media.
Many online users speculated about Cole’s future adventures, joking that he might start a “raccoon bar crawl” tradition in Hanover, making the story a memorable example of the unexpected ways animals interact with humans.
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