The Raccoon dog is not a raccoon (they’re not even related). Even though they share a similar name, raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) are not raccoons. They just resemble them. Those cute little creatures belong to the Canidae family and are distant cousins of domestic dogs and foxes. The similarity is merely external.
1. Indigenous to Asia, But Spreading
Indigenous to East Asia,raccoon dogs have spread throughout Europe through deliberate introductions (for fur farming) and by chance. They now inhabit forests, wetlands, and even cities in nations such as Finland, Germany, and Sweden.
2. The Only Dogs That Hibernate
Raccoon dogs do hibernate, unlike wolves or foxes! In cold climates, they prepare for winter by gaining weight and slowing down their metabolism to conserve energy. If temperatures are mild they are active, but heavy snows will put them into a cozy, seasonal hibernation.
3. Japanese Trickster Folklore
The raccoon dog is referred to in Japan as “tanuki” and is well known in folklore as a shape-shifter and trickster. They are said to be able to change into people, objects, and even vanish completely. Tall tanuki statues with hats are found in front of Japanese businesses for good fortune.
4. Their Fur Changes Color
Seasonal fashionistas? Raccoon dogs wear thick, dark coats in the winter to keep warm. But as soon as summer arrives, they shed their thick fur, and it’s replaced with a lighter reddish-brown summer coat.
5. They Enjoy Evening Adventures
Raccoon dogs, similar to raccoons, are nocturnal. They forage at night and sleep during the day in secluded burrows. It even shows up in their scientific name: Nyctereutes procyonoides is “night roamer.”
6. Near-Omnivores Who Will Eat Just About Anything
These are not finicky eaters. Raccoon dogs will eat anything from fruits, berries, and roots to frogs, insects, small mammals, and carrion. If they can get to it, they’ll eat it: one of the reasons they’ve been able to survive in so many different areas.
7. Monogamous and Family-Oriented
Raccoon dogs are unique from other wild canines since they are monogamous and family-oriented. The males actively participate in raising the pups, in food taking, and protecting families. If a parent is lost, the survival rate of the litter decreases significantly.
8. Their Pups Are Born Small and Blind
Raccoon dog litters consist of 5-7 pups, though the record litters have produced 19. They are born with a soft black coat, are blind, and totally helpless, depending totally on their mother for survival. They start to see the world at around 10 days old.
9. They’re Not Big on Barking
Unlike domestic dogs, raccoon dogs don’t bark. They whine, growl, and yelp instead. They also use body language and scent-marking to convey messages to others. They are a much quieter house guest than an average dog!
10. Others Have Banned Keeping Them as Pets
Irresistibly cute as they are, having a raccoon dog as a pet is prohibited in many countries, including the UK. Conservationists caution that runaway pets or escaped ones lead to them disturbing native ecosystems by preying on local wildlife.
11. They are Hunted by Foxes and the Fur Trade
Although raccoon dogs are fairly common, they’re hunted by foxes, wolves, and birds of prey. They’re poached by humans as well, particularly in Asia and Russia, for their fur to make clothing. Some coutries have seen a drastic decline because of hunting.
12. More Than Just a Cute Face
Though they are undeniably cute, raccoon dogs play a role in ecosystems by controlling insects and cleaning up carrion. They are not as well-known as foxes or wolves, but these fascinating creatures deserve respect and conservation!
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