Seattle’s round raccoon Jimothy becomes an internet favorite
A short-necked raccoon filmed in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood has gone viral after locals embraced him as a tiny urban legend.
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
2 min read
A raccoon with an unusually round body and short-necked look has become Seattle’s latest internet animal obsession after video of him popped up from the Ballard neighborhood.
The animal has been nicknamed Jimothy by Kiana Hall, who filmed him after spotting him coming out from under a car, UPI reported. Hall later posted the clip on Instagram, where the raccoon’s compact shape quickly found an audience.
Hall told The Seattle Times she was confused when she first saw the animal because she had not seen another one like him. She said the name came naturally because, in her view, the raccoon looked like a Jimothy.
More clips of Jimothy appeared online after Hall’s post spread, according to UPI, turning the neighborhood raccoon into a local character with a growing fan base.
What may be behind Jimothy’s shape
Marcie Logsdon, an associate professor at Washington State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital, told The Seattle Times that Jimothy was likely born this year. She said she could not diagnose the raccoon without examining him.
Logsdon said his appearance is probably linked to a congenital spinal deformity, according to UPI. The report described Jimothy as having an apparent shortened spine, giving him the rounded shape that made him stand out on video.
Despite the unusual look, Logsdon said Jimothy appeared to be moving around acceptably, which she described as a positive health sign, UPI reported.
No examination of the raccoon has been reported, and the available comments about his condition are based on the videos and sightings discussed by local outlets.
A Ballard cryptid, with whiskers
Seattle residents have leaned into Jimothy’s oddball charm, with some describing him as a sweet little mystery creature rather than an ordinary backyard visitor.
Brigitte D’autremont told KIRO-TV that Jimothy has a physical abnormality and a slightly cryptid-like quality while still being cute. She compared the reaction around him to the way people talk about figures such as Bigfoot or a yeti.
Hall told The Seattle Times she was glad the post brought people joy online. She said she hopes Jimothy stays free and remains healthy.
For now, the round raccoon remains a neighborhood sighting with a name, a following and a very Seattle kind of fame: part wildlife moment, part internet mascot, part local legend peeking out from beneath a parked car.
This story draws on original reporting from UPI.