A video just a few seconds long and accompanied by a simple question, “What am I looking at?” was enough to turn a Seattle raccoon into a global internet sensation this week.
The viral critter — dubbed "Jimothy" by the internet — has a shorter spine than the average raccoon. His unusual appearance is likely the result of a congenital deformity in his spine, Marcie Logsdon, an associate professor at Washington State University's Veterinary Teaching Hospital, told The Seattle Times.
Since the video of Jimothy was posted on Instagram earlier this week, it has racked up more than 10 million views across social media. Jimothy has emerged as a pop culture icon overnight, becoming the subject of clothing merchandise, artwork, and slogans like “hot Jimothy summer” — a play on the phrase “hot girl summer,” coined by rapper Megan Thee Stallion. He’s also been affectionately referred to by some as “Saint Jimothy” or “King Jimothy.”
The beloved raccoon has also piqued the interest of tattoo enthusiasts. In a post shared on Instagram Friday, a tattoo artist in Tacoma wrote, “Jimothy lovers, I got a great deal for you! … I’ll do a discount for anyone who gets a tattoo of him, doesn’t have to be this design!”
As Jimothy's sudden viral fame has spread, people in Ballard have begun sharing other sightings of the distinctive raccoon. One video, according to the person who posted it, shows the curious critter as a baby.
“Oh my goodness, I am so happy someone captured our sweet prince as a baby,” Reddit user rhymeswithvegan commented under the video.
There is now a subreddit dedicated to all things Jimothy. The local legend has become an international curiosity, with media outlets around the world sharing his story.
Despite the flood of photos and videos circulating online, including some that posters claim date back several years, Logsdon said Jimothy's appearance suggests he was likely born this year.
“The fact that he’s made it to this age tells me that he’s managing and that he’s adapting,” she told The Seattle Times. “I was surprised and honestly a little bit inspired that he’s that resilient.”
While it may be tempting to seek out Jimothy, Logsdon said the animal is better off being “left to his own devices.”
If you’re concerned about Jimothy, or any other wildlife and live in Seattle, you can contact the PAWS Wildlife Center at 425-412-4040 or use the organization's self-service tool to determine the best course of action.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife recommends the following steps for staying safe around raccoons:
- Don't feed raccoons.
- Don't allow raccoons access to garbage.
- Feed dogs and cats indoors, and keep them inside at night.
- Keep pet food indoors and lock pet doors at night.
Jimothy isn't the first raccoon in Western Washington to make worldwide headlines. A few years ago, a Poulsbo lady started feeding raccoons. A hundred of them eventually swarmed her house looking for something to eat. She had to call 911 to be able to get back inside her house.
This story comes to you from the Northwest News Network, a collaboration between public media organizations in Oregon and Washington.