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Members of Congress Urge Seattle To Protect Viral Raccoon Jimothy

They asked the mayor to enroll Jimothy in community carnivore monitoring to reduce risks created by increased public attention.

Overview

  • Two Republican U.S. representatives sent a letter to Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson asking the city to enroll Jimothy in carnivore monitoring, set up platforms for public sightings and post signage in neighborhoods where he is seen.
  • The Seattle Mariners announced a confirmed “Jimothy Night” for August 5 at T‑Mobile Park with a Mariners x Jimothy T‑shirt and $2 from each ticket sold through the offer benefiting the Ballard Food Bank.
  • Veterinarians and wildlife experts say Jimothy’s rounded torso is consistent with a rare short‑spine spinal deformity but note no formal diagnosis can be made without an exam, and observers report he is mobile and foraging.
  • Wildlife officials continue to tell people to admire Jimothy from a distance, avoid feeding or approaching him, and secure trash and pet food because crowding and habituation raise risks from traffic, dogs and disease.
  • Jimothy’s viral fame has produced merchandise, fan art, an official bobblehead and a White House meme, creating a tension between commercial promotion and expert calls for city outreach and protective measures.