A raccoon with a rare birth defect known as short spine syndrome has become an internet sensation after a video of it swiftly crossing a footpath and running up stairs in Seattle garnered over 6.8 million views within three days.

Nicknamed "Jimothy" by Seattle resident Kiana Hall, who filmed the footage while walking with her partner, the raccoon's unusual physique initially led Hall to mistake it for a cat with an arched back. Hall, 33, explained that there was no particular reason behind the name, saying it "just looked like a Jimothy."

Following the video's viral success, other Seattle locals shared their own clips of Jimothy, including moments of the raccoon raiding a balcony and footage of it with its family when younger. Despite the potential complications associated with short spine syndrome, wildlife experts report that Jimothy appears to be coping well.

Jimothy's growing popularity highlights the community's fascination with this unique animal, which continues to roam the streets of Seattle, captivating fans both locally and online.

Sources

ABC Australia News by Andrew Thorpe