SerpApi.Org
Residents of Seattle might just have been left sleepless recently at the sight of a ‘mutant’ creature who’s been roaming the streets and scurrying around yards.
A video of the animal wandering around the north-western neighbourhood of Ballard has gone viral online with many folk wondering what the creature – who has a round body, short frame and unnaturally long legs – could be.
But there’s actually a simple explanation.
The creature in question is actually a raccoon, named ‘Jimothy’ by residents, who has a rare condition that alters the shape of his body.
And while he might look a bit unusual at first glance, he’s captured the hearts of locals after becoming an unlikely internet celebrity.
Jimothy first attracted attention after Seattle resident Kiana Hall spotted him crouched beneath a parked car while she was out walking with her partner.
‘I was surprised and honestly a little bit inspired that he’s that resilient.’
Meanwhile Hall told the paper: ‘I think times have been hard for everyone, so I’m really happy to have posted something online that reaches so many people and makes them so happy.
‘I just hope [Jimothy] continues to live his life freely and I hope he can be healthy.’
The lifespan of a healthy raccoon can vary wildly depending on its circumstances.
Those living in the wild can expect an average lifespan of just 2-3 years — with diseases such as rabies and distemper taking a toll on populations, alongside the dangers they face from predators such as coyotes, bobcats and other raccoons. Many are also killed by cars and other vehicles.
However, the lifespan of those living in captivity, away from such threats, can be considerably longer — as much as 20 years in some cases.
