“Jimothy” the Raccoon Is Taking Over the Internet
"Jimothy" the Raccoon Is Taking Over the Internet
If you’ve seen the name “Jimothy” trending on social media, here’s the fascinating story behind it:
There’s a wild raccoon in the Seattle area who’s been going viral, because he’s so recognizable. The raccoon suffers from short spine syndrome, which gives him an awkward shape and posture. But he’s otherwise “healthy.”
(Well . . . short spine syndrome wouldn’t negatively affect its life. It’s impossible to know if a random wild raccoon is “healthy.”)
People started posting videos online, and the raccoon picked up the name “Jimothy” . . . because someone said he “just looked like a Jimothy.” (And yeah, experts do think he’s a male. If you were concerned about that.)
In just about one week, Jimothy has accumulated millions of views and inspired murals, tattoos, merchandise, cartoons, a city proclamation, and even a surprise appearance at a Seattle Mariners game.
(Here’s what may be the original video. There are others, here and here. And here’s a local news report about Jimothy.)
