Raccoon dog

The Raccoon Dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) is an omnivore native to Japan, the south-east of Siberia, and Manchuria, but they have also been sighted in Europe recently. During winter they hybernate, having fattened themselves during autumn on frogs, lizards, rodents, and even birds. They supplement their diet with seeds and berries. They are threatened by humans through hunting for their fur and urbanization. Its Greek scientific name Nyctereutes procyonoides comes from nycto = night, ereutes = wanderer, procyon = raccoon, although it isn't a raccoon, it's closest living relatives being foxes. They grow to lengths of about 65 cm and can weigh up to 10 kilograms.

Image photographed by 663highland, licensed under GFDL.