Common Raccoon Dog

The common raccoon dog is a stocky, short-legged canid rather than a raccoon. Black fur surrounding the eyes produces its mask-like face, while a dark band crosses the shoulders and continues down the back. Its dense coat becomes thicker and darker in winter. Adults measure 50–68cm from head to rump, plus a 13–25cm tail, and seasonal fat accumulation can raise mass from 4–6kg in summer to 6–10kg before winter. (Animal Diversity Web)

Native to eastern Siberia, northern China, northern Vietnam and Korea, it favours forests, dense undergrowth, marshes, reedbeds and land bordering water. It is an opportunistic omnivore that consumes small vertebrates, fish, eggs, invertebrates, carrion, fruit, seeds and other plant matter. Pairs may remain together while raising pups, and both parents participate in care. In colder regions the species undergoes winter dormancy after accumulating substantial fat. (Animal Diversity Web)