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 recently found the masked mammals, known for rummaging through rubbish bins for easy food, are evolving and getting comfortable around humans.
Ms. Martin warns it's only a matter of time before the masked bandit strikes the shopping center again.
This is not the first time he's been in one of the buildings, she told the county government's official podcast. He was in the karate studio. I think he got into the DMV [and] ate some of their snacks one time, she said.
Animal control officials have identified him as their prime suspect in the case, which has made headlines and gone viral due to its relatability.
Raccoons are often referred to as trash pandas, and the saga of the trashed panda has captured public attention and raised funds for local animal shelters.
The county has had great success selling merchandise featuring the raccoon, accumulating $207,000 for renovations at their facility.
He didn't do anything wrong. He was just having a good time, Ms. Martin said, revealing that he was released a mile away from where he was found. Many are curious if the raccoon will be found committing another heist soon.
I hope he learned his lesson, she said, noting how everyone can relate to a night of excess. He'll be back. He's not a dummy.
