In brief
A raccoon affectionately nicknamed the 'trashed panda' has garnered media attention after breaking into a Virginia liquor store to indulge in alcohol. Following this escapade, the raccoon is suspected of also raiding a nearby karate studio and a DMV. Local officials recount the story with humor, expressing concern that this clever critter might commit further mischief in the future.
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.
A new study found the masked mammals known for rummaging rubbish bins for easy food, are evolving and getting comfortable around humans.
Ms. Martin says it's only a matter of time before the masked bandit strikes the shopping centre again.
This is not the first time he's been in one of the buildings, she told the county government's official podcast, Hear in Hanover. He was in the karate studio. I think he got into the DMV [and] ate some of their snacks one time, she said.
Officers have identified him as their prime suspect, although there is a possibility that earlier break-ins were carried out by another raccoon.
Raccoons are known for breaking into people's garbage cans, leading to the nickname trash panda.
The county has been selling shirts with the logo trashed panda and has raised a whopping $207,000 (£155,000) as of Friday. The money will be used to renovate the shelter, and add to its capacity.
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.
I just set him in there, [and] let him kinda relax for a few hours. The sun was beating on him so he was feeling good, Ms. Martin said, adding that he was released about one mile away from the shopping complex.
The story has gone viral, which Ms. Martin says is because it is so relatable. Everybody's been there, she says. Everybody's had a few extra and passed out by the toilet, and hopes somebody can come get you the next morning.
I hope he learned his lesson, she said, before adding that there's a good chance he might be found committing another heist soon. He'll be back. He's not a dummy.
