The raccoon dog
The raccoon dog belongs to the family of the canidae and is a predator. It has a body length of 50 to 60 cm and a shoulder height of somewhat over 20 cm. Before its winter rest, it can reach a weight of up to 7.5 kg. Its compact form and facemask are similar to those of the raccoon, with whom the raccoon dog is, however, not closely related. Originally, the raccoon dog stems from Eastern Siberia, Northern China, North Vietnam, Korea, and Japan. After having been introduced to the European part of the former Soviet Union by the fur industry during the last century, the raccoon dog has spread to Northern, Eastern, and Central Europe and of late, also to Switzerland.
The raccoon dog prefers to live in forests, on the edge of forests or in areas with dense underwood. Ideally, the raccoon dog will also have easy access to water. It is nocturnal and usually hides in natural shelters during the day. The size of its territory varies from 0,26 to 20 km². The raccoon dog is not territorial. In other words, it will not defend its territory against other raccoon dogs. On its prowls, its excellent sense of smell proves to be tremendously helpful. Raccoon dogs hibernate - not because this would be absolutely necessary - in line with the prevailing wintertime temperatures on the one hand and according to how much fat reserves they were able to accumulate before winter on the other.
Raccoon dogs feed on many different things, from small rodents, to acorns, berries, fruit, and much more. Raccoon dogs also swim and dive to hunt fish.
Raccoon dogs live alone, in couples, or small groups. Communication between group members or other raccoon dogs is ensured by body language or excrement markings. Mating season begins in January and lasts through March. After approx. 9 weeks, the female will withdraw to dense underwood or to a cave in order to bear an average of 5 to 7 young that she will then suckle for 5 weeks. Both male and female raccoon dog will tend to their young and their upbringing.
