Story perspectives

Seattle's Viral Raccoon Jimothy Triggers Summer Proclamation, Bobblehead, Wildlife Warning

7/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Seattle resident Kiana Hall posted a July 13 video of a round raccoon with a spinal deformity, naming it “Jimothy,” which went viral.
Seattle City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck proclaimed July 2026 “Jimothy Summer” on July 26.
The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum released a Jimothy bobblehead on July 21 for $30 plus $8 shipping.
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife warned the public not to feed, approach, follow or touch Jimothy.

History

Historical Context

Grumpy Cat, the dwarfism-affected feline Tardar Sauce, first appeared on Reddit on September 22 2012 and quickly became a leading internet meme, winning the 2013 Webby for Meme of the Year. By 2023 her Facebook page had amassed 8.3 million likes, and Lifetime capitalized on the craze with the 2014 TV movie Grumpy Cat’s Worst Christmas Ever.

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Story summary

Seattle resident Kiana Hall posted a July 13 video of a round raccoon with a spinal deformity, naming it “Jimothy,” which went viral.
Seattle City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck proclaimed July 2026 “Jimothy Summer” on July 26.
The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum released a Jimothy bobblehead on July 21 for $30 plus $8 shipping.
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife warned the public not to feed, approach, follow or touch Jimothy.

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