Raccoon Dog
Their native areas range over East Siberia, North East China, Japan and North Indo-China. They are found in both plains and mountainous regions and are especially common in woodlands. Raccoon Dogs are a member of the canid family and are considered to be species of wild dog. They are also known under the Japanese name "Tanuki". Although not related, these canids are often confused with Raccoons and Badgers as they have similar markings. Raccoon Dogs were introduced to east and central Europe, mainly escapees from fur farms. Thousands of these wonderful animals are still farmed and killed for their fur every year worldwide. It is a completely barbaric exercise, as they cannot be shot, this would damage their fur so they are usually electrocuted. Fur is much better on the animal than a fur coat, hat or gloves. About 70,000 Raccoon Dogs are killed every year in Japan for the fur trade, for consumption and for medical preparations, although they are still common there. Populations have declined in SE Siberia due to overhunting and habitat disturbance. Despite being hunted in their thousands, a small island in Japan has been designated a protected area for Raccoon Dogs.
