Okay, I am fully on board with the Jimothy enthusiasm. In July 2026, videos of a Seattle raccoon called Jimothy spread across social media. A raccoon becoming an internet favorite is a pretty delightful reason for kids to get interested in wildlife.
For families, that interest comes with a useful conversation: how do we enjoy wild animals while giving them room? The everyday habits matter, whether the raccoon in question has fans or is just passing through the yard.
What can you tell kids who want to meet Jimothy?
One way to put it: We can enjoy the videos, draw a picture, or learn about raccoons. We don’t need to find one, touch it, or bring it a snack. A child can be a huge Jimothy fan from the couch.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife explains that feeding raccoons can make them less wary of people and more likely to act aggressively when food does not appear. Leaving food out can also bring several raccoons together in one place. Giving wildlife space is a practical way to care about it.
A few household habits worth checking
WDFW’s raccoon guidance recommends these household and hygiene habits:
- Feed dogs and cats indoors, and keep pets inside at night.
- Fasten garbage lids securely and keep food scraps in a covered compost container.
- Clean the barbecue after cooking.
- Secure pet doors at night so wildlife cannot follow the food indoors.
- Help children wash their hands after playing outside.
Public Health – Seattle & King County also recommends rabies vaccination for pets and considering leptospirosis vaccination for dogs. Your veterinarian can advise on your pet’s protection.
Keep children away from raccoon droppings
Raccoons sometimes use the same spot repeatedly as a toilet, called a latrine. Keep children and pets away from that area until it has been cleaned safely. King County’s latrine guidance calls for special precautions and says not to use a leaf blower or vacuum cleaner. Read the full instructions before tackling a cleanup.
The county’s health guidance explains two different routes of infection: raccoon roundworm can infect people who swallow infectious eggs from contaminated material, while leptospirosis can spread through contact with soil or water contaminated by infected animals’ urine.
What if someone is bitten or scratched?
WDFW advises washing the wound immediately with soap and water, flushing it with tap water, and contacting a physician and local health department right away.
King County says every raccoon bite or scratch should be assessed by a health care provider. Its guidance reports no identified rabies cases in Washington raccoons, but does not rule out the disease. It also says to contact a provider immediately if someone may have swallowed material contaminated by raccoon feces.
What if a raccoon looks injured?
If an animal appears injured or sick, PAWS recommends using its wildlife self-service tool or calling 425-412-4040. A trained staff member can help determine whether it needs assistance and explain the next steps.
That is a better family plan than guessing what a wild animal needs from its appearance. Enjoy the raccoon fandom, keep the snacks indoors, and let qualified people handle questions about an animal’s care.
