Raccoon dog

Scientific name: Nyctereutes procyonoides

How weight is recorded: Whole weight

Field notes

Appearance

Stocky, short-legged canid with a distinctive black facial mask and grizzled grey-brown coat; hindquarters often darker than forequarters. Males are noticeably heavier and more robust than females; ears are small and rounded.

Size and weight

Males 4.5–7 kg, females 3.5–5.5 kg; body length 45–65 cm (excluding 13–16 cm tail).

Habitat

Raccoon dogs occupy mixed deciduous and coniferous forests, riparian zones, and agricultural edges from lowland to moderate mountain elevations (up to 2000m). They prefer areas with dense undergrowth near water sources and will use scrubland, grassland, and human-modified landscapes.

Distribution

Native to East and Southeast Asia from Siberia to Vietnam; introduced and now established across Europe. Occupies mixed forest-grassland mosaics with preference for riparian corridors and lowland valleys.

Diet

Omnivorous, feeding opportunistically on small mammals, birds, amphibians, insects, berries, nuts, and carrion; diet shifts seasonally toward fruit and vegetation in autumn.

Behaviour

Primarily nocturnal and crepuscular; solitary or paired year-round; less vocal than most canids. Slower, more deliberate movement than foxes; den heavily and may remain inactive during harsh winter weather.

Hunting tips

Look for five-toed tracks (often showing claw marks) in mud and snow; droppings are variable and often contain berry seeds or insect remains. Approach dense cover and water edges at dawn or dusk; use wind advantage and move slowly through undergrowth where sign is concentrated. Focus on riparian edges and forest margins where prey density is highest.

Whole weight

This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 15 countries in Huntify.

Names in other languages

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.