Raccoon Sparks Sales
Erling Haaland's Taxidermy Raccoon Trip Spurs TSA Inquiry and Boosts Dallas Store Sales
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Manchester City striker Erling Haaland turned heads at Oslo's Gardermoen Airport after he was spotted walking off a plane carrying a taxidermy raccoon. The unusual item quickly went viral on social media, prompting the U.S. Transportation Security Administration to weigh in on the rules for flying with stuffed animals, according to NBC DFW.
The raccoon was not just any souvenir. Haaland picked it up at Wild Bill's Western Store in Dallas, Texas. Since his visit, the store has seen a major jump in sales — and it now offers international shipping for the very first time in its history, NBC Chicago reported.
TSA Weighs In on Taxidermy and Empty Liquor Bottles
The viral moment prompted an unexpected response from the TSA. The agency addressed questions about whether passengers can fly with taxidermy raccoons — specifically ones carrying empty liquor bottles. The TSA confirmed the items are allowed on planes, according to NBC Philadelphia. The agency is known for responding to quirky travel questions on social media.
Taxidermy animals are not on the TSA's banned items list. Empty liquor bottles are also permitted in carry-on bags. The combination of the two, however, is rare enough that Haaland's raccoon gave the agency a chance to clarify the rules for confused travelers, NBC Boston noted.
Wild Bill's Western Store Gets a Global Sales Boost
Wild Bill's Western Store in Dallas did not expect a Norwegian soccer star to put it on the map. But after Haaland's visit, the store's sales surged. The shop also launched international shipping for the first time ever, opening its doors to customers around the world, NBC New York reported.
The store sells Western wear, novelty items, and taxidermy animals. Haaland's raccoon purchase gave it more attention than any ad campaign could. Fans of the soccer star have since flooded the store's website looking to grab their own piece of Americana, according to NBC Washington.
Haaland's Odd Souvenir Fits His Quirky Public Persona
Haaland is no stranger to making headlines off the pitch. The 24-year-old striker is known for his unusual habits and candid personality. Carrying a taxidermy raccoon through an international airport fits a pattern of behavior that fans have come to expect from him, NBC Bay Area noted.
The moment was captured by onlookers at Gardermoen Airport and spread quickly online. Social media users reacted with a mix of confusion and delight. For many, the image of one of the world's best soccer players cradling a stuffed raccoon was simply too strange to ignore, according to NBC Miami.
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