Seattle has a new, unlikely, and beloved local legend: a raccoon named Jimothy. First spotted in the city’s Ballard neighborhood, Jimothy quickly captured the internet’s attention after resident Kiana Hall posted a video of the unusual-looking creature.
With his long legs and a uniquely rounded, almost spherical torso, Jimothy is believed to have short spine syndrome, a rare congenital condition.
Despite his bedraggled and cryptid-like appearance, local veterinarians suggest his prognosis is positive, noting that his survival thus far is a testament to his resilience. Jimothy has become a symbol of “vintage Seattle weirdness,” with locals celebrating him as a scrappy hometown hero.
We love the plethora of fan art of Jimothy that has poured in.
The Legend of Jimothy
Jimothy’s rise to fame began when Kiana Hall spotted what she initially thought was a cat under a car near the Ballard Goodwill. Upon closer inspection, she realized it was a raccoon with an extraordinary, hunched appearance. She named him “Jimothy” simply because “he looked like a Jimothy”.
The five-second video clip she shared on Instagram quickly went viral, garnering millions of views. Soon after, other Ballard residents began sharing their own security camera footage of the raccoon, solidifying his status as a local celebrity.
From the Moss & Fog Shop
Pacific Northwest Decal
Aaron Draplin's Pacific Northwest decal, for fans of Ballard's most famous resident.
$4
Cat Erasers, Set of 3
A set of colorful cat erasers, a nod to the night Jimothy was mistaken for one.
$8
Forest Mushrooms Notebook
An illustrated forest notebook for adding your own Jimothy fan art to the pile.
$6
A Unique Condition
While Jimothy’s appearance has drawn comparisons to mythical creatures like the chupacabra or Bigfoot, experts believe there is a medical explanation. Veterinarians suspect he has short spine syndrome, a rare condition that causes the vertebrae to remain compressed, resulting in a shortened spine and a distinctive, compact body shape.
Despite this, Jimothy appears to be thriving. He has been spotted navigating fences, climbing stairs, and drinking from dog bowls, proving that he is more than capable of adapting to his urban environment.
Seattle’s Newest Mascot
Jimothy has joined the ranks of other beloved local animal icons, capturing the hearts of Seattleites who view him as a symbol of resilience.
While his internet fame continues to grow, wildlife officials and fans alike share a common sentiment: the best way to support Jimothy is to leave him alone to live his life freely in the wild.
