One of the only canines that hibernates

A native of East Asia, the raccoon dog is a mammal of the canidae family. Its fur makes it look very similar to a raccoon, while its shape is reminiscent of a small fox – it has a long, thin body (on average 80 cm long), fairly short legs, and a tail measuring 15 to 25 cm. Demand for its abundant, soft fur led to it being intensively bred in captivity, particularly in Europe and Russia. However, animals escaped or were released in order to increase production, with the result that it has become an invasive species. The raccoon dog is an opportunistic carnivore, eating anything it finds: small mammals, birds, eggs, reptiles, fish, but also berries and mushrooms. It is mainly active at dusk and at night, and is generally solitary. It is the only canine that hibernates, sometimes just for a few days, when the temperature drops below -5°C. It inhabits forest edges, thick undergrowth, wetlands and grasslands, but will venture as high as 3,000 metres. Its claws allow it

Identity Card

  • Name : Raccoon Dog
  • Latin Name : Nyctereutes procyonoides
  • Origin : A East Asia (Siberia, Korea, China, Japan) and introduced into Eastern Europe
  • IUCN Status : Least Concerned
  • Cites : No Data