Two members of Congress are stepping in to protect a viral raccoon named Jimothy. Reps.
Anna Paulina Luna and Tim Burchett sent an exclusive letter to Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson demanding the city safeguard the animal "at all costs."
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The lawmakers warn that Jimothy's newfound fame could attract people looking to harm him or disrupt his daily activities.
Their solution involves enrolling him in community carnivore monitoring initiatives, including sighting-report platforms and databases to track his movements, well-being, and "general mischief."
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They also call for signs and neighborhood outreach wherever Jimothy roams. The goal is to keep his growing fan base from interfering with his lifestyle.
Jimothy went viral earlier this month due to his unusually short, rounded appearance.
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He is believed to have short spine syndrome, an extremely rare condition that compresses the spinal column.
Luna and Burchett acknowledge they and Seattle's mayor, a Democrat, disagree on many political issues.
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However, the GOP lawmakers argue that protecting one "small, resourceful, and cute raccoon" should cross party lines.