Seattle residents have become fascinated by a so-called ‘mutant creature’ wandering around the city, with many people both charmed and baffled by his appearance.
The animal has been nicknamed ‘Jimothy’, and while he may look unusual at first glance, he is actually a raccoon with a physical deformity that gives him a striking posture.
Clips of Jimothy have spread quickly online after people spotted him moving around the area, prompting plenty of discussion from viewers trying to work out exactly what they were looking at.
One post that helped send him viral featured footage of the raccoon darting about alongside the caption below.
“For our 13th anniversary, [we] were graced with the presence of Jimothy the raccoon with short spine syndrome. Praise Jimothy!!”
As interest in Jimothy has grown, many have started asking the same question: why does he look like this?
According to The Seattle Times, Jimothy is a ‘deformed and belovedly bedraggled raccoon’.
The outlet reported that his shortened neck is ‘likely caused by a congenital deformity of the spine’.
Although some locals have been worried about his wellbeing, experts told the publication he is ‘functioning well and very spry,’
For anyone concerned about whether he can cope in the wild, those are considered to be ‘excellent signs for his survival’.
Videos shared online appear to support that view, with Jimothy seen hurrying across grass and climbing steps without much trouble.
People in the comments have been quick to defend the raccoon and explain that conditions like this can still allow animals to live full lives.
“Short spine syndrome!! Little dude looks funny but is otherwise completely healthy & can live a normal life. normally I see it in dogs, sometimes cats, & that one famous bear but this is a new one!!”
“I wish I could take him home!”
The attention has also spread to Reddit, where users have continued to celebrate Seattle’s newest viral animal star.
“I need a Jimothy flag or something. Love this little guy.”
“I love Jimothy so f*****g much bro,”
“He is an Adonis in all his beautiful glory Keep it real Jimothy,”
The name Jimothy appears to have come from Kiana Hall, who encountered the raccoon and ended up giving him the title that has now stuck online.
She described the moment she first saw him while speaking to The Seattle Times.
“I got very confused at what I was seeing,”
“I just have never seen any other animal like it.”
Hall had been walking near the Ballard Goodwill with her partner when she recorded the now-viral video and shared it online.
When asked why she chose that particular name, her explanation was simple.
“He looked like a Jimothy.”
And for thousands of people now following his story, that seems reason enough.
More recent reports say Jimothy has been spotted multiple times in Ballard this summer, adding to the sense that he is a regular part of the neighborhood’s urban wildlife scene. Animal experts quoted in local coverage said his unusual shape is most likely the result of a congenital spine condition rather than an injury, and that his mobility and alertness suggest he is coping well.
Washington wildlife officials generally advise people to admire wild animals from a distance, avoid feeding them, and give them space to move on their own. In Jimothy’s case, the internet has largely done the opposite: turning a local raccoon into a tiny Seattle celebrity.