Meet 'Jimothy', the viral, short-spined raccoon who roams Seattle

A raccoon with a rare birth defect, affectionately nicknamed 'Jimothy,' has become an internet sensation in Seattle. A video capturing the animal's distinctive waddle across a footpath and up a set of stairs has amassed over 6.8 million views in just three days, sparking widespread fascination.

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What am I looking at?

Locals have embraced Jimothy, sharing their own footage of the unusual creature. The raccoon's unique physique, attributed to short spine syndrome, has led to a cult following, with a dedicated subreddit emerging for Jimothy-inspired art and tributes. One Seattle resident who filmed the viral video initially mistook the raccoon for a cat with an arched back due to its unusual appearance.

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For our 13th anniversary, [we] were graced with the presence of Jimothy the raccoon with short spine syndrome. Praise Jimothy!!

Wildlife experts suggest that despite the potential complications associated with short spine syndrome, Jimothy appears to be thriving. Marcie Logsdon, an associate professor at Washington State University's Veterinary Teaching Hospital, noted that the raccoon's "spry" and energetic demeanor is a positive indicator for its survival in the wild. His resilience has even been described as inspiring.

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just looked like a Jimothy