Seattle’s viral ‘Jimothy’ raccoon may have rare spinal condition, veterinarian says

An unusually shaped raccoon roaming Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood has become an unlikely internet celebrity, drawing hundreds of thousands of views, countless reposts, and plenty of speculation about its appearance.

The raccoon, affectionately nicknamed “Jimothy” by social media users, first gained attention after an Instagram video showed it running through a backyard. The clip quickly went viral as viewers tried to figure out why the animal looked so different from a typical raccoon.

With its compact body, closely spaced front and back legs, and head perched high above its shoulders, many online joked that the animal looked as though it had been “scrunched together like an accordion.”

“Kind of has some sort of physical abnormality. Kind of looks a little bit like a cryptid, but he’s cute,” one neighbor explained to KIRO 7. “Kind of almost a little supernatural. Kind of like Bigfoot, a Yeti, or something. Kind of becoming infamous really quickly.”

Others compared the animal to mythical creatures such as Bigfoot or the chupacabra, while some commenters simply called the raccoon “adorable” and said they wanted to take it home.

Jimothy spotted in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood

Since the original video was posted, Ballard residents have reported seeing Jimothy wandering across backyard decks, drinking from a dog’s water bowl, and sitting in neighborhood trees.

A veterinarian who reviewed video of the raccoon told KIRO 7 that the animal appears to have a congenital condition known as short spine syndrome, a rare disorder documented in other mammals. The condition shortens the spine and limits neck and body flexibility, creating the raccoon’s distinctive appearance. The veterinarian emphasized that the diagnosis is unofficial because the animal has not been examined.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) said it has not received reports about the raccoon and cannot confirm what caused its unusual appearance.

Wildlife officials say the raccoon appears capable of walking, climbing, and finding food on its own. If people encounter Jimothy, they should admire the animal from a distance and avoid approaching or feeding it.

Despite its unusual appearance, neighbors said the raccoon seems to be adapting well to life in Ballard, and its growing online fan base is rooting for the local celebrity to continue thriving in the wild.

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