After now-infamous raccoon ransacks ABC store, Ashland wants to name it

HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- The now-infamous raccoon who ransacked an Ashland ABC store before passing out in the bathroom after getting drunk still doesn't have a name yet, according to the town of Ashland.

The raccoon, now a repeat offender, has inspired T-shirts, a promotional campaign and cocktails. The merchandise campaign has raised more than $200,000 for the Hanover County Animal Protection Shelter as Dec. 11.

But the story is not over yet. The town of Ashland is now asking for help naming the neighbor.

The morning of Saturday, Nov. 29, officer Samantha Martin with Hanover County Animal Protection & Shelter responded to an unusual call at an ABC store in Ashland, according to a social post from the shelter.

Authorities said a raccoon broke into the store the night of Friday, Nov. 28.

The animal smashed dozens of bottles and ransacked several shelves before being found in the bathroom. He was collected and taken to the animal shelter to “sober up.” The shelter later released it back to the wild.

In a Dec. 11 episode of Hanover's podcast "Hear In Hanover," Martin said, "This is not the first time he’s been in one of the buildings."

“Neighbors have affectionately called him everything from the ABC Bandit to the Rascally Raccoon,” said the Downtown Ashland Association in a statement. “But a legend of this magnitude deserves more than a nickname shouted across social media.”

The town of Ashland urges residents and raccoon enthusiasts to visit its website to submit name ideas for Ashland's Trashed Panda.

The Downtown Ashland Association will share the winning name once it's selected.“There’s something powerful about a town coming together over joy,” said Downtown Ashland Association’s Executive Director Coach Antonio Miller. “This raccoon reminded us that community doesn’t always show up in serious moments—sometimes it shows up laughing, singing, and doing good together. That deserves a name.”

Downtown Ashland Association will share the winning name once it's selected. One neighbor will walk away with a $50 gift certificate to the ARC of Hanover Thrift Store, and their name will be included in an official press release as downtown Ashland’s selected name for its unofficial mascot.

8News has also asked viewers to submit their name ideas. You can still submit your preferred name here.