Mammals · Carnivora · Canidae
Raccoon Dog
Nyctereutes procyonoides
The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk. See full glossary
It is the only canid known to hibernate, going into a deep winter sleep from November to April depending on the local climate. Despite its name and looks, it is not related to the American raccoons.
Weight
3 kg – 12 kg
Size
50 cm – 68 cm
Lifespan
8 years
Diet
Omnivore
Combines animal and plant food depending on availability.
Activity
Nocturnal
Active mainly at night.
Social structure
In pairs
Usually lives in pairs, sometimes for life.
Sighting difficulty
Easy
Fun facts
- fisiologíaDespite its name and its resemblance to the American raccoon, it is a true canid from East Asia, and one of the few able to hibernate partially through the winter.
Life cycle & biology
- Skeleton type
- Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (mammal)
- Habitat & environment
- Woodland and country near rivers and lakes in East Asia, widely introduced to Europe from fur farms
- Birth weight
- 60 - 115 grams
- Size at birth
- Blind, with a soft black coat at birth
- Sexual maturity
- 9-11 months
- Gestation / incubation
- 59-64 days
- Litter / clutch size
- 1 to 19 young per litter (5-8 most often, with an exceptional record of 19 embryos documented in Poland)
- Lifespan in captivity
- Documented record of up to 16.6-17 years in captivity
Sources consulted: AnAge; Encyclopedia of Life; Animal Diversity Web; Animal Corner; Animalia.bio; Līgatnes dabas takas; A-Z Animals; ResearchGate
Where to find it
See its range on the interactive mapBest time: All year round in eastern Asia and in the introduced populations of Europe, at night; it is the only canid that spends the winter dormant.
Where to watch it
Parques y spots de buceo donde se ha documentado esta especie — se muestran 10 de 39 documentados.
Related species
Other species in the catalogue with the most in common with Raccoon Dog — same habitat, park, country, tags or family.
Least ConcernRed Fox
Vulpes vulpes
Least ConcernGray Wolf
Canis lupus
Least ConcernEurasian Beaver
Castor fiber
Fat Dormouse
Glis glis
Pine Marten
Martes martes
Raccoon
Procyon lotor
Keep exploring
Based on what we already know about raccoon dog.
Comments
Share an experience, a fun fact or a tip for seeing the raccoon dog.
Be the first to comment.