Japanese Raccoon Dog
Nyctereutes viverrinus
The Japanese raccoon dog, or tanuki, lives in woodlands, grasslands, farmland edges, and even suburban green spaces across Japan. It is mostly nocturnal and omnivorous, eating insects, frogs, rodents, eggs, fruit, seeds, carrion, and human refuse when available. Adults usually avoid confrontation, relying on secrecy, dens, and warning growls, but can defend themselves with bites at close range. A notable trait among canids is its winter fattening and tendency toward torpor-like inactivity during cold periods, though it is not a true deep hibernator.
- Type
- Fang
- Conservation status
- NE
Growth chain
- ?
- Japanese Raccoon Dog