Raccoon dog (tanuki) - Raccoon dog

Japanese: タヌキ(狸) - タヌキ

A mammal of the Canidae family in the carnivora order. Body length is 50-60cm, tail 13-20cm. The base color is yellowish brown, with the neck, chest, and limbs blackish brown. It is endemic to East Asia. In Japan, the subspecies Hondo raccoon dog is found south of Honshu, excluding Okinawa, and the subspecies Ezo raccoon dog is found in Hokkaido. During the day, it rests in hollows at the base of trees, in rock crevices, and in holes dug by other animals, especially badgers. It is nocturnal. It is omnivorous, eating mice, frogs, crabs, acorns, potatoes, and also climbing trees to eat loquats and persimmons. The so-called tanuki sleeping state is said to be a state of suspended animation caused by shock. Usually has 4-5 babies per litter. The fur is used to keep warm, and the hair is used for writing brushes.
→ Related article Weasel (raccoon dog)

Source : Heibonsha Encyclopedia About MyPedia Information

Japanese:

食肉目イヌ科の哺乳(ほにゅう)類。体長50〜60cm，尾13〜20cm。地色は黄褐色で，頸(くび)，胸，四肢などは黒褐色。東アジア特産。日本では沖縄を除く本州以南に亜種ホンドタヌキ，北海道に亜種エゾタヌキが分布。昼間は木の根元のくぼみ，岩の割れ目，他の動物，特にアナグマなどが掘った穴で休息する。夜行性。雑食性で，ネズミ，カエル，カニ，ドングリ，芋などのほか，木に登ってビワ，カキなども食べる。いわゆるたぬき寝はショックによる仮死状態といわれる。ふつう１腹４〜５子。毛皮は防寒用，毛は毛筆用にされる。
→関連項目ムジナ（狢／貉）

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