A raccoon that broke into a liquor store in Virginia and went on a rampage until it passed out has become the unlikely face of a fundraising campaign that raised about $250,000 for a local animal shelter.
The episode began in 2025, when a store employee found the raccoon sprawled on the floor. Broken liquor bottles, toppled shelves and scattered boxes surrounded it. According to authorities, 14 bottles worth about $250 were smashed during the rampage, and the store suffered no other damage.
Images of the raccoon lying on the floor after its boozy adventure went viral on social media. The attention led to the "Drunk Raccoon" donation campaign, which raised around $250,000 for the animal shelter in Hanover County.
The money will go in part toward body cameras for animal control officers, which will help document abuse cases and protect staff. It will also fund better living conditions for the animals, including new housing units, toys and a temperature-controlled food storage room.
Jeffrey Parker, head of the county's animal protection department, said the department had considered buying body cameras for years and that the famous raccoon sped up the decision.
Parker declined to share details about what became of the furry celebrity. He said he hoped the raccoon is now living a good and "sober" life.
