tanuki
(Nyctereutes procyonoides), member of the dog family (Canidae) native to eastern Asia and introduced into Europe. Some authorities place it in the raccoon family, Procyonidae. It resembles the raccoon in having dark facial markings that contrast with its yellowish brown coat, but it does not have a ringed tail. It has short, brown or blackish limbs, a heavy body, and rounded ears. Head and body length is 50-65 cm (20-26 inches); tail length, 13-18 cm; and weight, about 7.5 kg (16.5 pounds). Most active at night, the raccoon dog is omnivorous and feeds on small animals, fish, vegetation, and carrion. Litters contain 5-12 young, born after a gestation period reported at 60-79 days. The long fur of the raccoon dog is sold commercially as "Ussuri raccoon," or "tanuki."
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| a calculus or concretion found in the stomach or intestines of certain animals, esp. ruminants, formerly reputed to be an effective remedy for poison. |
| a screen or mat covered with a dark material for shielding a camera lens from excess light or glare. |
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