Physically, these stocky mammals have everything of a raccoon. But while they wear a black mask around their eyes, their fur is brown – earning them the nickname “marten dog” – and the tail is a solid color. Because in reality, raccoon dogs are part of the canids, like all domestic dogs. Closely related to foxes, these animals are monogamous and hibernating, unlike other members of their family. Their vocalizations are very high-pitched, like those of a cat.
Native to East Asia, they are bred in these regions for their fur. China is also one of the main producers of raccoon dog skins. A report from an NGO on the issue thus shows that in 2014, the country had produced more than 14 million skins. These omnivores, which feed on rodents and berries, are also sold for their meat, and in particular on the Wuhan market, which many virologists describe as the home of Covid-19. Thus, reports prove that raccoon dogs were illegally traded in the market until November 2019.
