Japanese Raccoon Dog

The Japanese raccoon dog, or tanuki, is a compact canid with short legs, a dark facial mask and a thick coat. It is not a raccoon; the resemblance comes from its facial pattern. Compared with mainland raccoon dogs, the Japanese form has shorter, less insulating fur and a smaller stomach. Whether it should rank as a full species remains disputed among taxonomic authorities (Wikipedia, general species account).

The species is mainly nocturnal and breeding pairs form the usual social unit, although unmated animals may associate in small groups. Mating is concentrated between February and April. After a gestation of roughly nine weeks, a typical litter contains four to six pups, attended by both parents. Tanuki forage in forest and satoyama landscapes and can climb trees for fruit and berries (The Wild Mammals of Japan 2009, as reported on Wikipedia).