Bizarre ‘mutant’ raccoon referred to as ‘Jimothy’ goes viral after prowling by means of gardens
A deformed raccoon has become a huge online hit after footage of the stubby creature nicknamed “Jimothy” went viral on social media
‘Mutant’ raccoon Jimothy (Image: @c1vrgr1/instagram)
A mutant raccoon nicknamed “Jimothy” has become a viral sensation after it was spotted scuttling through the streets. The deformed creature with a short, awkward looking spine and no tail has been spotted racing around the quiet neighbourhoods of suburban Seattle, Washington.
Kiana Hall, 33, said she saw the little animal while she was on a late night stroll with her partner. Captioning the video of Jimothy on Instagram, she wrote: “For our 13th anniversary [her partner] and I were graced with the presence of Jimothy the raccoon with short spine syndrome. Praise Jimothy!! I got very confused at what I was seeing. I just have never seen any other animal like it.”
Kiana realised the animal was a raccoon by its iconic facial markings but suspected the creature was suffering from some type of genetic defect. She added: “I just hope Jimothy continues to live his life freely and I hope he can be healthy.”
The footage posted on social media has gone viral but despite the animal’s stubby spine experts actually believe the little guy isn’t doing too badly. Medical expert Marcie Logsdon said: “The fact that he’s made it to this age tells me that he’s managing and that he’s adapting.
“I was surprised and honestly a little bit inspired that he’s that resilient.”
Experts have issued a verdict on the health of the deformed raccoon (Image: @c1vrgr1/instagram)
Logsdon has told home-owners in Jimothy’s turf to leave the raccoon alone as he is best “left to his own devices”.
The expert added: “Raccoons are amazing because they have done an amazing job at adapting to and sharing urban and suburban areas. But respectful sharing needs to remain just that.”
Social media users have flocked to share their positive comments and thoughts about the raccoon. One user wrote: “This is the most Seattle animal possible.”
A second stated: “He needs to be protected at all costs” Another added: “ALL HAIL THE MIGHTY JIMOTHY.”
A fourth said: “Someone I know said he’s likely alone because the other raccoons rejected him 🙁 I hope this isn’t true because it makes me sad to think he might be all alone.”
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