In brief
In a bizarre turn of events, a raccoon dubbed the 'trashed panda' was found passed out in a Virginia liquor store after binge drinking. This misadventure has led to suspicions of the raccoon being involved in multiple break-ins, including a karate studio and a DMV. Local officials are keeping an eye on this playful bandit, who has become a symbol of the unique relationship between raccoons and human environments.
A raccoon that broke into a Virginia store and joyfully drank its way through the liquor aisle is now suspected of a wider crime spree, officials say.
A Hanover animal control officer suspects the stripe-tailed mammal also broke into a nearby karate studio and then raided the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for snacks.
Supposedly, this is the third break-in he's had, said Officer Samantha Martin.
The raccoon, now nicknamed the trashed panda, was first discovered passed out in the bathroom of the Ashland liquor store two days after Thanksgiving. After sobering up, the unlikely outlaw was released back into the wild.
The county has sold shirts with the logo trashed panda and has raised $207,000 (£155,000) to renovate the animal shelter. Officials say the little Kung Fu trash panda was living his best life when he was detained in the liquor store and kept his spirits up even after being placed in the county kennel.
Raccoons are known for breaking into garbage cans, leading to their nickname trash panda. In a light-hearted commentary, Officer Martin remarked, Everybody's been there. Everybody's had a few extra and passed out by the toilet, and hopes somebody can come get you the next morning. She predicted, with a hint of humor, that the raccoon will likely strike again, saying, He'll be back. He's not a dummy.
