Raccoon dog

Nyctereutes procyonoides

The raccoon dog is a canid of Eurasian forests and urban edges. Nocturnal and often pair-based, it is highly adaptable.

Key facts

Raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) is an omnivore animal classified as Mammal · Carnivora · Canidae.
Primary habitats are forest · urban, with a range across Palearctic.
Activity is nocturnal, sociality is pair, and conservation status is LC (Least Concern).
The raccoon dog is a canid of Eurasian forests and urban edges.
It uses forest, farmland edges, and green spaces near towns.
Typical lifespan: 10-20 years

Habitat range map

Native rangeOccasional / Transient

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

It uses forest, farmland edges, and green spaces near towns. Water, thickets, and cover support feeding and resting.

Body length is about 50-68 cm and weight about 3-10 kg. Short legs, a rounded body, dark facial mask, and thick fur are distinctive.

Nocturnal animals may move as pairs or small family units. Dens and thickets provide shelter, and activity changes with season.

It is omnivorous, eating fruit, insects, small animals, fish, and fallen foods. Near settlements it may also use scraps or crops.

Young are born in dens and are often cared for by both parents. As they grow, they follow adults on night foraging trips.

Its status is listed as Least Concern. Its adaptability is high, but road mortality and contact with people can be local issues.