Tanuki Japanese Racoon Dog

Описание: Tanuki at Enoshima Island
Fujisawa, Japan
August 25, 2024

The tanuki is a wild canid species native to Japan that is related to wolves, foxes, and domestic dogs. It's also known as the Japanese raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides viverrinus) and is a subspecies of the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) that's found in mainland Asia.

With its thick fur, masked face, and curious nature, the tanuki has served as a cultural icon in Japanese folklore for centuries. The bushy-tailed animal is known as a mischievous trickster that's shown up in legends and myths as a shapeshifter with supernatural abilities. In popular culture, tanuki can be spotted in Nintendo video games and Studio Ghibli films.

Here are eight little-known facts about this fascinating canid species.

1. Tanuki Are Not Related to Raccoons

2. They Can Climb Trees

3. They Are Bred and Killed in the Fur

4. They're Considered an Invasive Species in Europe

5. They Are Highly Social Creatures

6. They Are the Only Canines That Hibernate

7. They Hold an Important Position in Japanese Folklore

8. They Are One of the Most Ancient Canine Species