They are dogs? Is it about raccoons? Are they some kind of hybrid between both species? Tanuki can make us ask all these questions, as they are also known as raccoon dogs or Japanese raccoons.
These fascinating and unique animals come from Japan, presenting characteristics that make them exclusive. Actually, due to their genetics and taxonomy, they are canes, that is, they are dogs, although they are wild dogs, and may, due to their appearance, be confused with a raccoon. In this article on our site, we'll tell you all about the tanuki, the Japanese raccoon dog
Where does the raccoon come from?
Raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) are native to the island of Japan The time when the breed made its appearance is unknown, as it did not become known throughout Japan until the 18th century. It was then that it became an icon of the country, being considered a magnet for good fortune For a long time, it has been a protected animal in Japan, due to its historical and cultural importance.
From the 1940s, it became extremely popular, spreading through other countries, reaching China, South Korea, Vietnam and even to Siberia. Currently, it has reached many parts of Europe, with specimens of tanuki found in France, Denmark or Germany.
These specimens arrived either to become pets, or because their skin was highly valued a few decades ago, which is why different farms were created around the world Many Japanese raccoons escaped their captivity, fleeing to the forests, where they survived thanks to their great resistance, adaptability and their ability to withstand really extreme temperatures.
In this other article we show you more than 50 animals from Japan.
Raccoon Dog Characteristics
The raccoon dog, tanuki or Japanese raccoon is a very peculiar animal. Its main characteristics are the following:
Habitat and feeding of the raccoon dog
In its country of origin, Japan, the raccoon dog inhabits forests, valleys and rural areas throughout the island, being present in all its extension. They live in different types of climate, from the temperate to the coldest, as they withstand temperatures below zero very well.
They are omnivorous animals, as well as opportunistic, so they tend to obtain their food from almost any source that is made available to them. They are good hunters, often attacking prey larger than themselves.
Tanuki morphology
Despite looking so similar to a raccoon, the raccoon dog does not share the genetic makeup with this other species. Their similarities are explained by the convergent evolution that has occurred between them, that is, both species, although they have evolved from different ones, have ended up looking very similar because they have been adapting to the demands of their environment.
Its size is that of a medium-sized dog, weighing between 4 and 9 kilograms approximately. They have a body similar to that of a raccoon, resembling above all in their fur, which has a two-layer structure, with a short, bushy lower mantle and a thicker upper mantle. long and also very dense. Its tail is long and furry, while its pointed ears are short and covered with shorter hair.
Character and behavior of the tanuki
The tanuki is an animal harmless to humans, being very cautious and fearful, so it tends to run away from strangers. For them, it is very dangerous to travel through urban areas, since when faced with possible dangers, such as cars, they remain petrified, succumbing to traffic accidents and the like.
The raccoon dog is the only canid that hibernates, although it has the peculiarity that during said hibernation, its body temperature does not drop. They can afford to keep their temperature constant thanks to the accumulation of fat they get during spring and summer, so they are ready to withstand even the coldest winters.
Can I have a pet raccoon dog?
Although its sweet and precious appearance makes us want to have a raccoon dog in our home, we must bear in mind that Its possession as a pet is prohibitedin many countries, as we will now see.
This prohibition stems from how dangerous it is for a raccoon dog to escape and live in an environment other than its original one, that is, Japan. The risk is due to the fact that it is considered a powerful invasive species, which acts as an annihilator of native species. In England, it has come to cause serious damage to local species, as in all other countries, where it has reached due to the action of man.
In addition, this animal does not adapt well to life in captivity, its wild instinct is too marked, so the best thing for it is, without a doubt, to live in freedom, never in captivity.
