Every so often an animal captures the whole internet, and right now that animal is Jimothy, an oddly shaped raccoon from Seattle. His unusual look has turned him into a viral star, with fans sharing clips and cheering him on. Here is a friendly look at why Jimothy is winning hearts everywhere.
Who is Jimothy?
Jimothy is a wild raccoon in the Seattle area who stands out for his distinctive body shape: an unusually short neck and a compact frame that make him instantly recognizable. Rather than being put off, viewers have embraced his quirky appearance and rallied around him.
Why he looks the way he does
New footage of Jimothy as a tiny baby shows he has had these features since infancy. Wildlife experts quoted online suspect the cause may be a rare congenital spinal deformity, a condition present from birth rather than the result of an injury. It is the kind of trait that makes him unique without necessarily stopping him from getting around.
Why the internet loves him
Part of Jimothy’s appeal is that he is a genuine underdog story. People are drawn to animals that look a little different and still thrive, and his expressive face and waddling movement make for endlessly shareable clips. In a busy news cycle, a charming raccoon is exactly the feel good break many people want.
Watching wildlife responsibly
As fun as Jimothy is to follow, he is a wild animal. Experts generally advise enjoying urban wildlife from a distance and avoiding feeding, which keeps both people and animals safe and lets creatures like Jimothy live naturally.
To understand the condition experts suspect, see our explainer on short spine syndrome in animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jimothy the raccoon? He is a viral, oddly shaped wild raccoon from the Seattle area known for his short neck and compact body.
Why does Jimothy look different? Wildlife experts suspect a rare congenital spinal deformity, and baby footage shows he has had the trait since infancy.
Is Jimothy a pet? No. He is a wild raccoon, and experts recommend observing urban wildlife from a distance rather than feeding or approaching.
Why did he go viral? His unique appearance and endearing movement made him a feel good sensation that fans love to share.
Comments 1
Comments are closed.