These cute animals, which are actually predatory mammals, cannot be confused with anyone else: you just need to see their fluffy striped tail and the “mask” on their face. The species of raccoons are few and far between, and today we will introduce you to some of them.
Family Raccoon
The family unites different external characteristics animals. Most of them are medium-sized animals with a flexible and elongated body from 31 to 67 centimeters long and a long fluffy tail (20-69 cm); in some climbing members of the family it performs a grasping function. The body weight of animals varies from 0.8 to 22 kg.
Almost all species (with a few exceptions) have a pointed, short muzzle and erect ears. The paws have a characteristic structure: tenacious and long fingers, plantigrade, less often with semi-retractable claws. In most species, the color varies from light gray to bright reddish-brown. There are almost always markings on the muzzle, and the tail pattern is ringed.
Types of raccoons
The Raccoon family includes 11-12 species, which are grouped into 8 genera. It falls into two subfamilies: Asian and American animals. In the latter case, these are the species of raccoons that inhabit Central and South America; one species has chosen North America.
The Asian subfamily includes only two species, which are limited to a narrow range in East Asia. The giant and red panda are the only representatives of the family living in the Old World. The most common are the following types raccoons:
- rinse;
- Tresmarias;
- Barbadian;
- Bahamian;
- crustacean;
- Guadeloupean;
- Cozumelian.
Below we will describe the most interesting, in our opinion, types of raccoons and provide you with photos of them.
Raccoon
The ancestors of this animal inhabited the forests of America since ancient times. They still live in this area today. The striper feels quite good in the forests of Russia, Belarus, and on the islands of the East Indies; it can often be found in the forests of Azerbaijan.
The body of a representative of this species reaches sixty-five centimeters in length, with a fluffy tail accounting for at least twenty centimeters. The height of the animal at the withers is thirty-five centimeters. The average weight is about six kilograms. The body of this raccoon is dense, stocky, and has short legs. The color is brownish-gray. There is a “mask” on the face: black spots with a white edge, a black stripe stretches from the forehead to the very tip of the nose. There is a dark spot between the eyes, black rings surround the tail of the animal.
The striper walks on four legs, and the front ones are designed in such a way that it can hold objects with them and deftly wash itself. The animal eats sitting on its hind legs and holds food with its front legs. Thanks to their unusually dexterous and long fingers, these animals easily find food even in rather muddy water.
Tresmarias raccoon
This subspecies of the striped raccoon lives on the Maria Islands, located off west coast State of Nayarit (Mexico). The Tresmarias raccoon is larger than the minnow: on average, the body length of adult animals is ninety centimeters (including the tail). The coat is short and rather faded. The belly is covered with brown fur with a thick light undercoat.
A feature of this species that distinguishes it from other subspecies is its angular skull. Already in 1996, this species was under threat of complete extinction: in natural environment less than two hundred and fifty adults remained. This was explained by the fact that the Tresmaria raccoon was uncontrolledly hunted by the islanders, and no measures were taken to protect the animals. Since the animals are small, the population is unlikely to ever become large.
Bahamian raccoon
Like some island species of raccoons, this animal, according to researchers, is a subspecies of the striper. The Bahamian raccoon lives on the islands Caribbean Sea. Outwardly, it is almost no different from the gargle. The fluffy tail is decorated with 5-10 dark rings. Males are noticeably larger than females. Body length - up to 60 cm, tail - up to 40.5 cm. Color can vary - from light gray to almost black.
In captivity, the animal can live up to 20 years, in natural conditions life expectancy is much shorter. The Bahamian raccoon prefers areas covered with dense bushes near bodies of water. It feeds on arthropods, including crabs and lobsters, and will not refuse frogs and plant foods: nuts, acorns, berries. The behavior of representatives of this subspecies has been little studied, however, researchers believe that they are rather nocturnal. They build a den, which they use for sleeping and resting. They are active throughout the year and do not hibernate in winter.
The Bahamian raccoon prefers solitude, of course, except during mating season. Puberty in females it occurs by one year, in males by two years. Pregnancy lasts about ten weeks. After this period, from 4 to 6 cubs are born.
Cozumel raccoon
This species of raccoon is called a dwarf raccoon and is endemic to the island of Cozumel (Mexico). It is much smaller than its relatives, and can be easily distinguished from them by its wide black mask, which extends all the way to the throat. In addition, the animal has a luxurious golden-yellow tail, flaring at the end, and a slightly rounded nose.
The upper part of the body is covered with brownish-gray fur interspersed with small black hairs, and the lower part and legs are covered with pale fur. Brown. The grayish-gray color of the top of the head contrasts sharply with the white fur of the chin and muzzle, as well as with the black mask around the eyes.
The tail is yellowish, with six dark brown or black rings. The length of an adult animal (with tail) varies from 58 to 82 cm, tail - 26 cm, weight - from 3 to 4 kg. The Cozumel raccoon is now critically endangered. The population of these animals is only 250 individuals. This is due to its limited range. These are endemic to the island of Cozumel, whose area is 478 square meters. km.
Rakoed
The raccoon is a native of South and Central America. Usually these animals live in swampy, damp areas. There must be a body of water near its habitat - a river, lake or even a stream. Raccoon-eating raccoon - quite major representative families. Its weight reaches ten kilograms, and its body length is a meter. Males are larger than females.
The crayfish has coarse fur with short hairs. Top part the body has a red-brown tint, and the lower part is gray. The front legs are pure white, the hind legs are spotted with brown. The animal's foot is wide, its toes are mobile and very long, ending in sharp claws. This animal has an unusual gait, reminiscent of a bear.
The animal has acute hearing: It picks up even faint sounds over a long distance. The crayfish raccoon is an excellent swimmer and diver. It is difficult to call him silent, since he makes many sounds - from a menacing growl to a howl. In addition, he can whistle and click his teeth.
Today, raccoons are often kept as pets. If you also want to purchase such an exotic pet, we recommend that you weigh the pros and cons. The raccoon should be kept in a spacious enclosure. It is easily tamed, but do not forget that it is a predator, albeit a small one. According to many owners, it is almost impossible to stop him from biting his hands. This is not because it is harmful - it is a unique way of communication. But future owners should know about this so as not to be disappointed in their pet.
Fans of Mozilla Firefox, today we will talk about an animal that is directly related to this browser. Its emblem depicts an animal that looks like a fox. But is it? Firefox translates to "fire fox", that's right. But few people know that the Chinese name for the small (red) panda - “hon ho” - has the same meaning. And it is this animal, and not a fox, that is part of the logo of this browser.
The relationship between the red and giant panda is very distant. Many millions of years ago, approximately in the early Tertiary period, their common ancestor lived on Earth, who lived in the territory of modern Eurasia.
There are 2 subspecies of this animal: the western red panda ( Ailurus fulgens fulgens), living in Nepal and Bhutan, and the red panda Staiana ( Ailurus fulgens styani), living in the area of southern China and northern Myanmar. The main difference between them is their size and coloring - the red panda Staiana is larger and darker than its western relative.
In nature, red pandas are now found only in a few Chinese provinces (Sichuan and Yunnan), Nepal, Bhutan, northern Burma, and northeastern India. Their habitat is coniferous forests (mostly fir), which alternate with deciduous tree species: oak, maple, chestnut and others. They are necessary for the growth of bamboo, the red panda's main food. Such forests can be found at an altitude of 2000-4000 meters above sea level. Most of the year they are shrouded in clouds, which creates favorable conditions for the development of mosses and lichens. You’ll find out why we mentioned them a little later.
Small pandas grow to the size of a large cat, but due to their thick and long fur they appear larger than they actually are. The body length including the fluffy tail is about 80-120 centimeters, and the average weight is 4-6 kilograms. The short legs are equipped with strongly curved claws, which only partially extend forward, and the feet are covered with short fur, which helps when walking on ice or snow. There is an “extra finger” on the front paws, thanks to which the panda can hold bamboo branches while eating. Externally, males are not much different from females.
Dark abdomen and paws 
These animals have a very beautiful coloring - dark or light red, but not everywhere, but mostly on the back, sides and tail. The belly and paws are dark brown or even black. The red tail has light rings. The animal's head is decorated with white areas on the muzzle, on the cheeks, along the edges of the ears and around the eyes.
Red tabby tail It was not by chance that nature prepared this color for this animal. Red color fulfills protective function and allows the red panda, while resting or sleeping, to remain unnoticeable among the red lichens that strew the trunks and branches coniferous trees, in particular fir.
In the habitats of these animals, the average air temperature fluctuates around 10-25 degrees and precipitation constantly falls - rain or snow. This means that the fur must retain heat well. During particularly cold periods, in order to keep warm, the panda curls up on branches or in a hollow into a tight ball and covers its head with its tail, like a blanket.
They spend most of their time in trees, where they feel like fish in water. They come down to earth for food. They are most active in the evening, and during the day they settle down comfortably in hollows and sleep. The long tail helps them maintain balance while in the trees. Descending to the ground, they hold it straight without touching the ground.
Each panda, whether male or female, has its own territory, and a considerable one. For males it is about 5 km 2, and for females it is 2 times less. They mark it with special marks: secretions from the anal glands, urine or piles of droppings, thanks to which the animals immediately learn which neighbors live next to them.
Adults live alone, uniting in groups only during the breeding season, which begins in January. Sometimes you can meet a small group of pandas even in the off season - this is an adult female with her grown-up offspring.
The baby is born only 90-145 days after mating, but a “real” pregnancy lasts only about 50 days. This is explained by the fact that the fetus begins to develop only after a sufficiently long period of time after conception.
Before giving birth, the female builds a nest for herself in a hollow or in a rock crevice. Typically, red pandas give birth to 1-2 cubs, sometimes there may be more, but in the end only one will survive. They develop very slowly. Up to 5 months of age they feed on mother's milk. Initially, the fur of the cubs is colored grey colour and only after 3 months they begin to acquire a red color. The cubs can stay next to their mother for a whole year until a new generation appears. By this period, most often, young animals themselves reach sexual maturity, separate from the female and begin an independent life.
Even though they are predators, most their diet consists of plant foods (almost 95%). These are primarily young and fresh bamboo shoots, mushrooms, berries and fruits. But sometimes they can snack on small rodents and bird eggs.
As a result, dental system They are like herbivores - the structure of their molars allows them to grind plant food. As we can see, this panda's food is very low in calories, and in order to get the required amount of energy, the animal has to eat about 2 kilograms of food per day. In zoos they are fed fruits, leaves, bamboo buds, grass, rice cooked in milk and sweet milk.
They have few enemies. This is a snow leopard and a man. The second one is much more dangerous than the first one. They can quickly climb a tree from a leopard, but you can’t hide from a person anywhere. Now this animal is listed in the International Red Book under the status of “endangered”. The main reasons for the decline in the number of small pandas are deforestation and hunting for their beautiful fur, which is used to make hats.
Fortunately for us, red pandas reproduce well in captivity, since zoos have all the favorable conditions for development. In nature, their life expectancy is approximately 8-10 years, while in zoos it is about 15 years.
The raccoon family (Procyonidae) includes only 7 genera and 18 species, and all of them show amazing diversity as appearance, and lifestyle.
Most raccoons live in tropical and subtropical regions of America. The red panda is found in Asia. Of the entire family, only the raccoon is acclimatized in Europe.
Appearance Features
Raccoons are medium-sized mammals with an elongated flexible body, the average length of which ranges from 30 to 70 cm and weight 4-7 kg. All members of the family have long, striped tails (only the kinkajou has a tail without stripes) and markings on the face (from a black mask in raccoons to white spots in noses and kakimitsli). The color of the animals' fur varies from gray to bright red or brown.
Raccoons usually have elongated muzzles, with the exception of the kinkajou, whose muzzle is shortened, but has a very long tongue, with the help of which the animal extracts nectar from flowers.
Raccoons have 5 toes on each paw, with the third toe being the longest. These animals are plantigrade - they move by stepping on their entire foot. Their claws are non-retractable, except for the red panda and kakimitsli, whose front paws are equipped with semi-retractable claws.
Lifestyle
All raccoons, except for noses, are nocturnal. Some members of the family are solitary animals, others, for example, the same noses, live in large groups. However, what is common is that all species are characterized by complex relationships within the group and between the sexes.
Diet
Raccoons are classified as carnivores, but they are not specialized predators. A variety of fruits is the basis of the diet of most of these animals. However, there are species that prey on insects and small mammals.
In addition to fruits, berries and nuts, raccoons eat worms, shellfish, fish, crabs, and crayfish. Kinkajou practically does not eat animal food, only occasionally diversifying its floral diet with insects. The red panda also tries to stick to vegetarian diet, preferring young bamboo shoots, plant rhizomes, fruits, acorns and lichens.
Of the entire family, the most predatory are the kakimitsli. Armed with dog-like teeth, they can hunt a variety of animals (no larger than a hare).
Continuation of the family line
Females usually begin breeding in the first spring of their lives, while males only in the second year. The cubs are born immature, their weight barely reaches 50 g. Most species have 3-4 cubs in the litter. Only the red panda and the kinkajou usually give birth to one single baby. Offspring are born in dens or nests. Mothers take care of their babies alone until they become independent.
Representatives of the raccoon family
Subfamily Procyoninae
This subfamily includes 7 species of raccoons proper (genus Procyon), 3 species of raccoons in 2 genera (Nasua and Nasuella) and 2 species of cocomicil (genus Bassariscus). Let's get to know them better.
Raccoons
Raccoons have learned not only to survive, but also to thrive near humans. In their homeland in North America, these cute little animals plunder trash cans, raid homesteads, and even sneak in and out of homes. at will. Most townspeople chase away uninvited guests not only because they want to avoid noise and disorder, but also because they are afraid that raccoons will infect their pets with rabies.
Some people take young animals into their homes as pets, but as they age, the behavior of raccoons changes dramatically under the influence of hormones, so even the most persistent owners often prefer to part with them.
The raccoon has a dense build, the weight of adults is 5-8 kg. The animal is easily recognized by its sharp muzzle, similar to a fox, a black mask passing through the eyes, and a long striped tail.
Raccoons are excellent tree climbers. They use hollow trees, nests in bushes, old buildings, attics, haystacks, stacks of firewood, etc. as shelters.
Raccoons are most active from sunset to midnight. They feed near rivers, lakes and swamps, where they look for mollusks, crayfish, fish, aquatic insects and other prey.
In the northern part of the USA and southern Canada in winter time the animals become lethargic, although they do not fall into real hibernation. They can remain in the shelter for a month or more until the night temperature rises above 0°C.
Raccoon
The most famous representative of the raccoon family. It is common in the USA and southern Canada, and introduced into some countries in Europe and Asia. Occupies a wide variety of habitats.
The color of the coat is grayish-gray, sometimes lighter or reddish; the tail is striped with alternating black and brown stripes. The black mask on the face is emphasized by gray stripes above and below. You can learn more about the striped raccoon from the article.
Crabeater raccoon
Found from Costa Rica south to northern Argentina.
The fur is shorter, coarser, has a yellowish-reddish tint, and the tail is longer than that of the striped raccoon.
Cozumel raccoon
Found in Mexico, on the island of Cozumel, in Yucatan.
The smallest of all raccoons (weighs no more than 3-4 kg). Differs in less dense wool. The species is threatened with extinction.
Guadalupe raccoon
Inhabits the island of Guadeloupe. It has a less bright coat color.
Bahamian raccoon
Lives on the Nassau Islands, Bahamas.
Tresmarias raccoon
Found on the island of Maria Madre, Mexico. Its fur is shorter, coarser and lighter in color than that of its cousin, the striped raccoon. This species is in danger of extinction.
Barbados raccoon
Inhabited in Barbados. It differed from its brothers in having darker fur. Currently extinct.
Nosukhi
Noses are found in a variety of biotypes, including tropical lowlands, arid highland forests, oak forests, forest edges, and prairies.
The muzzle of the nose is long and mobile, its tip extends far beyond lower jaw. Many muscles give the nose special flexibility, which allows the animal to examine various recesses for prey.
Nosukhi lead a diurnal lifestyle. Almost all the time they are busy combing the forest floor in search of food, stirring up leaves and hastily looking for insects or fruits. Their long nose and strong claws help them find food.
Common nose
This species is common in forests South America, in the eastern Andes, Argentina and Uruguay.
The coat is reddish-brown, there are small light spots above and below the eyes, and the larger White spot present on cheeks and throat; the belly is white, the legs are darker than the main color, the tail is decorated with dark rings.
The long, movable snout is ideal for searching for insects in bark cracks.
Koata
It lives in Central America, Mexico, southeastern Arizona and Western Colombia.
The coat is gray or brown, and there is a white band at the end of the muzzle. Otherwise it looks like an ordinary nose.
Mountain nose
Lives in mountain forests of Ecuador and Colombia.
The coat color is olive brown, the muzzle, legs and tail rings are black.
Kakomitsli
The North American camomitsli is common in the western United States. Inhabits arid areas, especially rocky areas.
The coat is gray or brown, with white spots above and below the eyes and on the cheeks.
Despite the fact that this is the smallest representative of raccoons, it is also the most predatory. The kakimitsli hunts rodents, birds and insects. However, he doesn’t refuse fruit either.
The Central American camomitsli lives in the arid forests of Central America. Similar to its North American counterpart, but with more long body and tail.
In former times, kakimitsli often lived in prospector camps in the Wild West, where he caught mice, which is why he has the second name “little cat.”
Both species have long legs, flexible bodies, and long, bushy, striped tails. Their faces are similar to those of a fox, and their ears are larger than those of all other raccoons.
Kakomitsli spend all their time in the trees, almost never descending to the ground.
Subfamily Potosinae
Another group is formed by kinkajou and olingo.
Kinkajou
Distributed in tropical forests of Central and South America.
The coat is short, brown with a reddish tint.
Like kakimitsli, these are exclusively arboreal animals, and prefer to stay high in the crowns of trees. A tenacious tail helps them move relatively quickly through trees.
The animals usually live alone. They feed at night, and their diet consists almost exclusively of fruits. You can read about the life of kinkajou in nature.
Olingo
There are 5 species of olingo (genus Bassaricyon). They live in the tropical rain forests of Central and South America at an altitude of 1800 meters.
The coat is gray-brown in color, the tips of the hair have a yellowish tint. Lower body and inner side paws yellowish; a yellow band runs along the neck to the back of the ears. The tail has 11 to 13 black rings.
Both in appearance and in their lifestyle, all types of olingo are similar to kinkajou. Only upon closer inspection can you see serious differences: Olingos have longer snouts and non-prehensile tails. In addition, they have more pronounced predatory tendencies: they eat large insects, small mammals and birds.
The animals are active only at night, so it is extremely rare to see them. Population density is quite low. In one area, the size of which can reach 38 hectares, usually only one individual lives.
Subfamily Ailurinae
Little panda
The small (or red) panda stands apart. Previously, it was combined either with the bear family, or together with the giant panda, it was classified as a member of the panda family.
Currently, pandas are classified into a separate family, Ailuridae.
The red panda lives in Southern China, in the Himalayas. Inhabits secluded highland bamboo forests. The animal's fur is soft, thick, brown on its back, its paws and lower body are darker. There are white markings on the face and ears various shapes. Animal fur consists of long hair and a very thick undercoat that allows the panda to stay dry and warm in cool and humid climates. The soles of the paws are covered with thick white fur.
The main food of the red panda is bamboo leaves and shoots. It can be active at any time of the day, although it is considered primarily a nocturnal animal. The area of habitat of one individual varies from 1.5 to 11 sq. km, while the areas of males are much larger than those of females.
Its limited range makes the red panda particularly sensitive to the loss of mountain forest ecosystems. The species is currently threatened with extinction.
Conservation of raccoons in nature
Some raccoons have high numbers, others (olingo, kakimitsli, red panda) are rare or vulnerable species: due to the destruction of the forests where they live, these animals are becoming less and less numerous.
While the raccoon's numbers are constantly growing and its range is expanding, the island species is listed as endangered by the IUCN.
An ordinary nose in given time There is no threat of extinction - it is considered a common species. However, the mountain nosoha suffers from the destruction of forests and human use of land, which has become a rare species today.
In nature, raccoons rarely live up to 7 years, but in captivity their lifespan can be 10-15 years.
In contact with
The raccoon dog (Ussuri fox) is an animal that really looks like a raccoon. However, it is still not a raccoon. The main similarity with representatives of the raccoon genus is ensured by the dark glasses on the muzzle. Raccoon dog: photo and description in detailed review Further.
This species, in accordance with biological taxonomy, belongs to the canine family.
If you look closely at the appearance of this animal, mentally removing the glasses and sideburns, you will see a fox. A narrow muzzle, thin paws, a penetrating look of an intelligent animal. And the paw prints are very similar to those of a dog, only with a greater spread of toes in width.
A raccoon dog is not so much a raccoon with canine characteristics as a fox masquerading as a raccoon.
The raccoon-like face is a convergent similarity associated with two adaptive properties. Glasses and sideburns “smear” the animal’s face against the backdrop of forest thickets.
Predators and people cannot immediately see the animal’s face among the bushes. They see something blurry. Besides, signature sideburns serve as a scent collector.
Description of the exterior, living conditions, habitat
This type of canine has the size of a small dog:
- the body reaches a length of 70-80 cm;
- fluffy tail length - 20 cm;
- weight ranges from 5 to 8 kg.
The body, although long, is due to short paws seems stocky.
The muzzle of a fluffy dog deserves a separate description: black “glasses” surround black and slightly slanted fox-like eyes.
Tail short, more dog than fox, but very fluffy and without the transverse stripes that raccoons have. This is their difference.
Paws are short with widely spaced toes. Raccoon dog and raccoon: the difference is that dogs are not able to make grasping movements like raccoons do.
Where does the raccoon dog live in Russia? Initially, these animals lived only on Far East Russia, China, Japan, Korea.
Yours historical name of the Ussuri raccoon dog this animal received due to the fact that in Russia individuals of this species lived only in the valley of the Ussuri River and in the southern Amur region.
At the beginning of the 20th century, a fever for the “ennoblement” of nature began. Species migrated to other continents and even to alien ones natural conditions. A similar fate befell the raccoon dog. In Russia, she was resettled to the European part. Here it not only successfully took root, but also began to rapidly spread throughout Western Europe.
The success of such resettlement was due to the fact that raccoon dog takes ecological niche fox and partly wolf. Since in Europe at the time the raccoon dog appeared there, wolves and bears were almost exterminated, the new animal did not find its natural enemies here.
Character, lifestyle, abilities and skills
This is a very unpretentious animal. For normal life in nature it needs dense forests with undergrowth, grass and shrub thickets.
In choosing shelters, he combines ingenuity, cunning and undemandingness in comfort. Prefers to occupy other people's holes abandoned by badgers or foxes. It can also use natural depressions among rocks and under roots.
The dog is active at night or at dusk.
In search of food, it can travel long distances - up to 10 km per day. However, in winter there are big problems with moving in deep snow. For this reason for the winter she goes into hibernation.
This animal has a secretive character. Prefers to avoid danger. However, if the escape route is cut off, it shows aggression and miracles of heroism in the battle for its life and for the safety of its cubs.
Raccoon dogs form pairs in early autumn. The breeding season begins in early spring. During one litter, 5-6 puppies are born. Each puppy weighs no more than 100 g.
By the age of 5 months, puppies become adults and independent. After another five months they are able to start their own family.
Thus, life cycle raccoon dogs are very similar to the natural rhythms of life of domestic ones, such as, or. 
Conditions and care
To make the animal feel good, it needs to be walked just like a domestic dog. The presence of an enclosure on the balcony does not eliminate the need to provide the animal physical activity and an emotionally rich life.
An apartment where a raccoon dog lives very quickly acquires a bouquet of aromas that are not typical for a human home. The animal itself has almost no smell, but its excrement smells very pungent and unpleasant.
Besides, they love to mark their homes, which can turn a person’s home into a raccoon den.
The only way to avoid marks is early castration.
Caring for this animal is in many ways similar to caring for a domestic dog. The only exception is the impossibility of walking with such a dog in crowded places.
If there is a fenced area, she can be let out for a walk with the dogs. The raccoon is usually good friends with them if there is no aggression on their part. Friendship is possible even with cats. But birds and rodents can be considered food by it.
Enclosures for raccoon pets are made approximately the same as for small breeds domestic dogs. In conditions of satiety and well-being, the animal does not hibernate, but pleases its owners with an active life.
What does a raccoon dog eat? Her diet consists of:
- mouse-like rodents;
- birds and their eggs;
- amphibians;
- insects;
- worms;
- berries;
- fruits;
- grain plants.
As befits representatives of the canine family, these dogs do not disdain carrion and food waste.
There are no problems with feeding for such pets. They can be fed like dogs. , and it’s best to cook porridge with meat and fish for them. Raw meat and raw sea fish should be given periodically. All vitamin and mineral supplements for dogs are quite suitable for their raccoon counterparts.
A raccoon dog lives up to 15 years at home, and in wildlife no more than 5 years. 
To start or not?
If it is possible to keep an animal in an enclosure in the yard, then you will get a lot of pleasure from communicating with a bespectacled dog that looks like a fox. In the absence of such opportunities, it is better to give up the desire to live next to a wild forest animal.
The raccoon dog is an interesting, intelligent and beautiful animal. It is a great happiness to make friends with such an animal, however, we should not forget that we are responsible for those we have tamed. Just loving a bespectacled animal is not enough; you need to create conditions for it under which it does not feel like a prisoner.
Additionally, check out short video about the behavior of a raccoon dog in natural conditions:
A raccoon and a raccoon dog are similar animals, but there are significant differences between them. But before you turn to them, it’s worth getting to know each of these animals better. For the European regions of our country, the raccoon dog is an “uncharacteristic” animal. The natural habitat in Russia is the Ussuri region and the Amur region; the fluffy animal was brought to other territories in the 50s in order to populate the territories with commercial fur-bearing animals.
The mountains and forests of Indochina, Japan, China and the Korean Peninsula are rightfully considered the homeland of the raccoon dog. But since this animal is endowed with amazing unpretentiousness and the ability to adapt to different conditions, it is no wonder that it quickly spread in our territories and, moreover, began to pose a threat to many other species - pheasants, wood grouse, black grouse, hazel grouse, small animals and frogs. In addition, the fertility of this species is very high. The raccoon dog spread very quickly throughout the European part and turned out to be a rather voracious predator.
In terms of its dimensions, this animal is small, the size of a small fox. The body length is 65-80 cm, the tail is 15-25 cm, and the weight is 4-10 kg. The physique is dense, stocky. The legs are short, the head is small, the muzzle is pointed with short ears.
Outwardly, this fluffy creature certainly resembles the well-known raccoon; it is even sometimes called the “Ussuri raccoon”! However, the difference between a raccoon and a raccoon dog is obvious! There aren't even any family ties between them! It's easier to say what unites them. It is thick, long and fluffy dark brown fur. But there are differences here too: the raccoon dog’s fur is much tougher and coarser. Both of them have black wide whiskers and, again, black spots around the eyes. But the raccoon dog cannot boast of transverse stripes on its tail!
Carrion can even dig out of the ground, easily feast on dead fish and snack on oats! The raccoon prefers to eat various crabs, snails, frogs, fish, small mammals, as well as all kinds of fruits and vegetables.
Raccoon and raccoon dog, the difference of which lies not only in external differences, they even prefer to live in different conditions! The raccoon dog chooses the banks of rivers and other bodies of water, loves wet meadows with swampy areas, as well as coastal forests with dense undergrowth. While the striper prefers to settle in holes, hollows of old trees, rock crevices, usually at a height of 20-30 meters above the ground. In a word, the raccoon dog, due to its greater clumsiness, chooses lower places as a home - burrows of foxes or badgers, niches in ravines, tree roots or self-dug shelters (up to 3 meters deep with 1-2 exits) on the slopes of ditches and the banks of reservoirs, on the slopes of ravines. Such a dog is not afraid of the proximity of human habitation: it easily lives next to roads and villages.
As already mentioned, this is an omnivorous predator that will never miss any opportunity to feed on prey that it can handle. He goes hunting at dusk or late at night. He thoroughly examines the area, getting to the most secluded corners. The raccoon dog and the raccoon (whose differences also extend to the manner of searching for food) are real cunning and tricksters, but the former are capable of combing vast territories on land, shallow water and the sea coast, while stripers do not stray far from home.
The raccoon dog successfully hunts various small rodents, amphibians, reptiles, insects, birds and fish. Will not disdain edible waste or carrion. It will also happily eat plant foods - stems, leaves, bulbs, seeds, fruits or rhizomes of plants.
In the spring (April-May), pairs of raccoon dogs give birth to cubs. Females of this species remain pregnant for 60 days. There are usually 6-7 animals in a litter, but if there was plenty of food, then 14-16 babies are not uncommon. Another obvious difference that cannot be ignored is the incredible mobility of raccoon fingers and their habit of “rinsing” food before eating, unlike raccoon dogs.
Unlike a raccoon, this animal travels about 7-10 km per night in search of food!
The raccoon and the raccoon dog can swim, but only the latter can risk going on a “long voyage” for the sake of catching fish. These are stronger and more resilient quicksand.
In winter, due to deep snow cover, raccoon dogs do not go on long journeys, as their short legs easily get stuck in the snow. Over the summer, they accumulate subcutaneous fat in order to quietly spend the winter in hibernation. During the warm season, their weight increases by 2 kilograms or more. It is worth noting that this is the only representative of the canids that hibernates for the winter. Their sleep is not deep and is interrupted. They spend time in their homes on days of severe cold and snowstorms, but on warm days they are fully awake and look for food close to home.
During the cold season, the metabolic rate of raccoon dogs drops by 25%. They live in their homes in pairs, formed in the fall (October-November). For this reason, the February-April rut is almost never accompanied by clashes among males. Since by this time everyone has already decided on a pair, there is no one to divide.
Raccoons either live alone or gather in packs of 20 individuals. Then they share one lodging for the night.
Actually, after such a comparison, it becomes completely clear that a raccoon and a raccoon dog are completely different animals. The dog was simply nicknamed raccoon because of its external similarity, which, however, is not complete and absolute.
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