In brief
A mischievous raccoon dubbed the 'trashed panda' made headlines after breaking into a liquor store in Virginia to drink alcohol. Suspected of multiple break-ins, including a karate studio and the DMV, this furry criminal was found passed out in the store's bathroom. Wildlife officer Samantha Martin predicts more antics are on the horizon for this lovable outlaw.
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.
Ms. Martin explains that it's only a matter of time before this crafty raccoon comits another heist. He was in the karate studio. I think he got into the DMV [and] ate some of their snacks one time, she said.
Raccoons are known for breaking into garbage cans, earning the nickname trash panda. As the story went viral, Ms. Martin highlights its relatability, saying, Everybody's been there; everybody's had a few extra and passed out by the toilet. It's clear this raccoon isn't just any criminal—he's a lovable rogue on a mission for fun!
