tanuki by mistressotdark

Photography • Animals • posted on May 28, 2012

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Description

from wikipedia : The Japanese raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides viverrinus), also known as tanuki (狸 or たぬき?) in Japanese, is a subspecies of the raccoon dog native to Japan. As the tanuki, the animal has been significant in Japanese folklore since ancient times. The legendary tanuki is reputed to be mischievous and jolly, a master of disguise and shapeshifting, but somewhat gullible and absentminded. It is also a common theme in Japanese art, especially statuary. This species is rarely seen in the U.S. Only two zoos accreditated by the American Zoo And Aquarium Association- Zoo Atlanta in Atlanta, GA and the Red River Zoo in Fargo, ND currently exhibit this species. taken in the red river zoo in fargo