The 'Drunk Raccoon' That Stole and Drank Liquor, Then Passed Out... Its Merch Hit Big, Bringing in $290,000

"Drunken Raccoon" Merchandise Raises $290,000
Funds to Buy Body Cameras and Treat Injured Animals

Merchandise featuring a raccoon that broke into a liquor store in the United States, smashed 14 bottles of alcohol, and passed out drunk has become so popular that an animal shelter has raised more than $290,000 (about 387 million won) in sales.

A drunken raccoon found at a liquor store in the United States has gone viral. TikTok screenshot.

On November 12 (local time), The Washington Post reported that the Hanover County Animal Protection Division in Virginia had raised a substantial amount in donations following last year's raccoon break-in at a liquor store.

The incident took place last year at a liquor store in Ashland, Virginia. The raccoon entered the store, smashed 14 bottles of alcohol, sampled the liquor, and then collapsed next to the restroom. A store manager found the raccoon several hours later. After recovering, it was released about 1.6 kilometers from the store.

The Hanover County Animal Protection Division partnered with an apparel company to make T-shirts, hats, mugs, and other items featuring the raccoon. The merchandise bore the phrase "Trashed Panda." As orders poured in from across the country, the division introduced additional designs themed around summer and Halloween.

Sales over the past year have raised more than $290,000 (about 387 million won). This is an extraordinary result, considering that the shelter typically receives less than $20,000 (about 26.79 million won) in donations annually.

T-shirt commemorating the one-year anniversary of the raccoon breaking into the liquor store. Screenshot of the Bonfire website.

The shelter plans to use the proceeds to provide body cameras to eight animal protection officers. The cameras will be used to investigate animal abuse cases and collect evidence for court proceedings. They will also help establish the facts if complaints are filed about staff members' responses in the field. County authorities unanimously approved the plan on October 28. Staff are expected to start wearing the cameras in January 2027.

The shelter also plans to help cover the cost of treatment for injured animals. Jeffrey Parker, the animal protection chief, said the division is considering using about $140,000 (about 186.8 million won) it has raised to establish an emergency fund to help pay for treatment for animals rescued in the field.

The shelter recently released a T-shirt commemorating the first anniversary of the raccoon's break-in at the liquor store. It features the phrase "One Bad Night, A Whole Lot of Good."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.