Who is Jimothy, the short-spined raccoon taking over social media (and maybe your TV)

“Jimothy,” the short-spined raccoon taking over social media, has become a sudden internet fixture after videos circulated last week, even as Seattle residents in the Ballard neighborhood say the animal has been around for years. The odd-shaped raccoon appears to have a rare spinal condition that makes it shorter than typical, prompting speculation it may have short spine syndrome, according to a veterinarian interviewed by The New York Times. Veterinarian Dr. Marcie Logsdon said it likely could still maintain “a normal life,” though its visibility has intensified. Ecologist Julian D. Avery, of Penn State, told Popular Science that the animal should be able to function normally aside from the attention. The name “Jimothy” spread after Instagram user Kiana Hall coined it. The raccoon’s meme reach extends to platforms and brands, including a Budweiser World Cup ad, the Seattle Mariners, and NASA’s official account. Local authorities also urged people to keep distance from wildlife.