Seattle has a new local celebrity, and he is not exactly your average backyard visitor.
A raccoon nicknamed “Jimothy” has become an unlikely viral sensation after residents began sharing videos of the oddly shaped animal roaming around the city.
The little critter has a noticeably shortened body, giving him a strange, almost otherworldly look. Locals have described him as everything from adorable to creepy, and the internet has quickly turned him into Seattle’s latest obsession.
Jimothy has been spotted moving through backyards, climbing stairs, and even sneaking across balconies in the Emerald City. One video shows him darting across a grassy yard before scampering up a set of stone steps.
“For our 13th anniversary, [we] were graced with the presence of Jimothy the raccoon with short spine syndrome. Praise Jimothy!!” one Instagram user wrote alongside footage of the unusual raccoon.
Jimothy has not been formally diagnosed, but many online believe he may have short spine syndrome. The rare congenital condition can cause an animal’s spine to be significantly shorter than normal, giving the body a compressed appearance.
Another sighting shows Jimothy making his way along a balcony railing at night. In the clip, he squeezes between two bars, pauses briefly to explore, and then disappears out of frame.
The odd-looking raccoon has quickly become a favorite on Seattle subreddits. He has also popped up in online communities devoted to strange, weird, and creepy sightings.
Commenters have fully embraced him.
“This is the most Seattle animal possible,” one Reddit user wrote.
“Hot Jimothy Summer,” another joked.
“He needs to be protected at all costs,” one fan added.
So far, only a handful of Jimothy videos have surfaced. But that has only added to the mystery around him.
Now that word is spreading, Seattle residents will likely be watching their yards, porches, and balconies a little more closely.
After all, the city’s strangest four-legged star may be closer than they think.
