It began with a bender in a liquor store bathroom, but the exploits of Virginia’s most notorious raccoon have escalated into a martial arts mystery.

Dubbed the "trashed panda," this masked bandit’s spree through a Hanover shopping centre offers a bizarre glimpse into how urban wildlife is boldly adapting to human environments—and their vices.

A Martial Arts Mystery

The saga started two days after Thanksgiving when the raccoon was discovered passed out in the bathroom of an Ashland liquor store. After sobering up, the animal was released, but officials now believe his criminal record is far more extensive.

Hanover Animal Control Officer Samantha Martin revealed that the creature is the prime suspect in a string of break-ins that would impress even the most seasoned burglar.

• The Karate Studio: Suspected of infiltrating a local dojo, perhaps seeking a black belt to match his mask.
• The DMV: Accused of raiding the Department of Motor Vehicles, specifically targeting their snack supplies.
• The Liquor Store: Confirmed found in an intoxicated state, presumably after sampling the merchandise.

"Supposedly, this is the third break-in he's had," Martin noted during an appearance on the county'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."

Evolution or Escalation?

While the story reads like a cartoon script, it underscores a scientific reality that resonates even here in Nairobi. Just as residents in Karen or Lang'ata grapple with baboons that have learned to open car doors and unzip bags, American wildlife is similarly evolving.

A recent study suggests that raccoons are becoming increasingly comfortable around humans, viewing our cities not as threats, but as all-you-can-eat buffets. This behavioral shift turns rubbish bins and, apparently, liquor cabinets into easy foraging grounds.

Martin cautioned that the reprieve for the shop owners might be short-lived. "This is not the first time he's been in one of the buildings," she emphasized, predicting a return.

"It’s only a matter of time," Martin warned, suggesting this furry outlaw is far from retiring his mask.