He looks a bit different, but this tiny Seattle raccoon is winning over the city
Jimothy has a rare genetic condition called Short Spine Syndrome, but he is running around local parks just like any other wild animal.
LEDE
Nature does not always make things perfect, but sometimes it makes them special. A small wild animal in Washington is showing everyone what it means to keep moving.
WHAT HAPPENED
People in Seattle keep seeing a very strange neighbor in local parks. He is a raccoon with a hunched back and almost no neck. Neighbors have named him Jimothy.
A short video of Jimothy running across grass and pavement went viral. His body looks squished because of a rare genetic condition. It is called Short Spine Syndrome.
This condition makes the spine bones soft so they press together. It happens in some dogs and cats, but it is very rare in wild raccoons.
FACT BOX
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- Name: Jimothy
- Location: Seattle parks, Washington
- Condition: Short Spine Syndrome (SSS)
- Main Sign: A short, hunched back with almost no neck
- Rarity: Highly uncommon in wild raccoons
WHY IT MATTERS
Wild animals with big body differences usually do not live long. Jimothy shows that wild beasts can be very tough.
His story also brings people together. Neighbors are watching out for him and cheering him on.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Jimothy will likely keep living in the parks of Seattle. Local animal groups might watch him from a far distance to make sure he is okay.
People should let him be and not try to pet or feed him.
WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW
- How old is Jimothy and how long has he lived in the park?
- Does his short back cause him any daily pain?
- Will animal rescue groups step in if he gets sick?