Compared to other species in the Canidae family, the raccoon dog exhibits many unusual characteristics such as using a variety of plants in its diet, being adept at climbing trees, and hibernating in cold climates.
At first glance, they may appear very similar to the raccoon, but in reality, these two species are not closely related.
They have small heads, round ears, short and slightly pointed snouts, and short legs.
Adult raccoon dogs measure 54-61 cm in body length, with tails measuring 16-18 cm, and weigh between 3-5 kg. They have small heads, round ears, short and slightly pointed snouts, and short legs. Their fur is long and coarse, with a tawny color, grayish undercoat, and black on their heads, snouts, and four paws. Their tails are bushy and gray.
Originating from East Asia, the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) is an intriguing member of the Canidae family. They are native to the Amur region of Russia, eastern China, northern Vietnam, and Laos.
This canid species inhabits shrub savannahs, edges of agricultural fields, and along stream banks. They tend to live alone, quietly, and are always cautious, foraging from dusk until midnight.
With a cute appearance resembling plush toys, the raccoon dog is actually a terror to all small creatures they encounter. This species has the ability to “eat the entire world” with a bottomless stomach. Thanks to their diverse diet, they are invading many parts of the world and disrupting ecosystems.
They eat a wide variety of things, from roots and fish to birds.
Although they belong to the Canidae family, the raccoon dog is more closely related to foxes than to domestic dogs and wolves. This ravenous predator is the most omnivorous among canids.
Despite their resemblance to the raccoon (Procyon lotor), the raccoon dog has no close relation to this North American species. Outside the Nyctereutes genus, the raccoon dog is most closely related to fox species (genus Vulpes).
There are four recognized subspecies of raccoon dog, including the Ussuri raccoon dog (N. p. ussuriensis), Chinese raccoon dog (N. p. procyonoides), Korean raccoon dog (N. p. koreensis), and Yunnan raccoon dog (N. p. orestes).
They consume a wide array of foods, from roots and fish to birds. Rodents such as jumping mice and voles also make it onto their menu. In wetland areas, raccoon dogs even consume turtles and poisonous frogs. They protect themselves by producing extra saliva to dilute toxins.
Throughout the harsh winter months, when food sources become scarcer, raccoon dogs resort to scavenging on carrion and feces. This unique diet may cause them to have “bad breath,” but it enables them to survive the freezing months.
Not only are they omnivorous, but raccoon dogs are also dubbed the “masters” of “stealth.” They are primarily nocturnal, which helps protect their young from daytime “predators” like eagles and humans.
Similar to raccoons that can endure and survive harsh North American winters, raccoon dogs possess very thick fur, protecting them from temperatures as low as -25 degrees Celsius. Like other hibernating species, they rely on fat reserves to survive.
Those “not fat enough” find it hard to survive through the brutal cold as in Siberia.
When entering hibernation, raccoon dogs typically weigh around 7 kg. By the end of the harsh winter, they can lose up to half their weight. Thus, those “not fat enough” struggle to survive the severe cold like that in Siberia.
Throughout history, raccoon dogs have been hunted by humans for their thick fur, used to make coats and hats. In the early 20th century, Russian hunters brought them to fur farms in western Russia for easier fur harvesting.
However, some escaped and began reproducing in the wild. Since then, they have expanded their range westward into Russia, the Baltic countries, Finland, parts of Sweden, and then into Central and Western Europe.
It is a fact that raccoon dogs pose a threat to many native animals, bird populations, amphibians, and reptiles. Therefore, local authorities in many areas are trying to eliminate them.
