Small game - mammals

Raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides)

The raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) is an animal of the canine family, although it is often confused with the raccoon and the badger. It is the only living species in the genus Nyctereutes. The raccoon dog has special significance in Japanese culture, where it is known as the tanuki (タヌキ). Raccoon dogs originated in Japan, southeastern Siberia, and Manchuria, but today they are found as far away as Scandinavia, France, and Italy. They inhabit both plains and mountainous areas, especially in forested areas. They can often be seen near villages and cultivated lands. In Bulgaria, there are individual specimens in Dobruja, Veliko Tarnovo and Burgas. The raccoon dog population has been declining in recent years due to hunting, urbanization, the spread of domestic animals and the diseases they carry.