Jimothy’ the raccoon captures the internet’s heart: What to know about him

The famed raccoon was recently spotted in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood, according to the city , although some residents have reported seeing him in months prior.

"Jimothy" the raccoon, a uniquely proportioned, short-bodied creature seen traipsing his way around Seattle, Washington, has taken the internet by storm.

The raccoon has gone viral in recent weeks after short clips of him, captured by city residents, were posted to social media.

The internet is particularly obsessed with Jimothy's unique shape, which appears to stem from a congenital condition seen in some animals called "short-spine" syndrome.

Below, read what to know about the viral sensation.

In a July 14 video that has since racked up approximately 8 million views on Instagram, Jimothy is seen stretching his long legs and small body across a patch of grass and sidewalk before climbing a flight of stairs.

"What am I looking at?" the woman behind the camera, Seattle resident Kiana Hall, says while filming.

Since then, Jimothy has cropped up in several other videos across Seattle.

One social media user, Dmitriy Ishimsky, who has shared several videos of the raccoon climbing along his fence, described Jimothy's backstory, saying he first witnessed the raccoon and his family a year ago, when Jimothy was just a baby.

"I haven't seen him for about six months, and I've often wondered what happened to him.

"Seeing videos of him now -- and knowing he's becoming a little local celebrity -- makes me so happy," he added.

The report adds to ongoing university-led research relevant to veterinary medicine, animal health, and clinical decision-making.

Source university website: Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine

https://vetmed.wsu.edu/jimothy-the-raccoon-captures-the-internets-heart-what-to-know-about-him/