In case you didn't know raccoon dogs existed... Meet the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides), aka the tanuki or mangut, native to East Asia. A nocturnal, omnivorous mammal that resembles a raccoon in many ways, however it's a member of the dog (canid) family. The origins of raccoon dogs can be traced back to the late Miocene era, around 9 million years ago. Fossil records indicate that their ancestors were a type of canid that resembled foxes. These bushy-tailed, sharp-clawed dogs are proficient at climbing trees, digging burrows, and even swimming. They can produce high-pitched whistles, growls, barks, and even screams. They are cute. #raccoondog #wildlife #weirdanimals #animals #igswildlife #wildlifetrust #seewildlife #wildography #animalslife #bestwildlife #animalsareawesome #animalsmakemehappy #exclusivewildlife #wildlifepictures #animal #animalsonland #planetofwilds #wildandanimal #wildsonearth