A raccoon in Hanover, Virginia, has achieved viral notoriety after an alleged multi-location crime spree culminating in an intoxicated episode at a local liquor store. Dubbed the ‘Trashed Panda,’ the animal was first discovered in a stupor inside the bathroom of an Ashland spirits retailer two days following the Thanksgiving holiday, apparently having consumed several bottles.
Officer Samantha Martin, an animal control official, now suspects this particular raccoon is a repeat offender. According to her statements on the county’s ‘Hear in Hanover’ podcast, the same masked mammal is the prime suspect in prior break-ins at a nearby karate studio and a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, where snacks were reportedly pilfered.
While acknowledging the possibility of a different perpetrator for the earlier incidents, officials maintain strong suspicion against this individual. After sobering up in custody, the raccoon was released back into a natural habitat approximately one mile from the shopping complex. Officer Martin described the animal’s detainment as peaceful, noting it ‘was just having a good time’ and was ‘feeling good’ under the sun in its kennel.
The incident has sparked widespread amusement and relatability, resonating with a global audience. Capitalizing on the fame, Hanover County began selling merchandise featuring the ‘Trashed Panda’ logo. The initiative has been remarkably successful, raising over $207,000 as of last Friday. These funds are designated for renovations and capacity expansion at the local animal shelter.
This event aligns with broader ecological observations. Recent studies indicate raccoons, known for their intelligence and adaptability, are increasingly evolving behaviors that bring them into closer contact with human environments, often in search of easily accessible food sources. Officer Martin humorously concluded that the animal is likely to reoffend, stating, ‘He’ll be back. He’s not a dummy.’