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Virginia Liquor-Store Raccoon Identified as Repeat Intruder, Officials Say

County policy favors local release after brief shelter care to reduce the risks associated with relocating raccoons.

Overview

  • Animal Protection Officer Samantha Martin said on the county podcast that the raccoon previously entered a karate studio and the local DMV.
  • The latest incident occurred on Black Friday, when the animal smashed liquor bottles and was found asleep on the store’s bathroom floor.
  • Martin responded to the scene, transported the raccoon to the county shelter overnight, and later released it near the site.
  • Officials said they do not relocate raccoons because moving them outside their territory often leads to death.
  • Photos shared by authorities went viral, and Martin noted the entry may have been through the ceiling, a detail she described as unconfirmed.