Raccoon Dog by Ghirin

Raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) are considered by some authorities to be the most primitive members of the dog family. In appearance, they resemble raccoons. Raccoon dogs do display most of the characteristics of other canines; however, they cannot bark. They live in pairs or small family groups of the parents and their cubs. They prefer to live in moist, heavily forested regions and are omnivores.

Raccoon dogs are native to eastern Asia. The species has been introduced to western Eurasia by the fur industry and has become established in its new home.

In Japan, the raccoon dog is called tanuki and features in folks tales and traditional medicines.

Reference:

www.lioncrusher.com

Photograph:

http://www.aoba.sakura.ne.jp/~momoncyo/zoo/animal_raccoon_dog.htm

Created by Ghirin 2003

Updated 2010-11-05

Just to save space with less in zip and smaller image.

Nothing new.