Racoon dog: credit RSPCA
THE racoon dog, for those who hadn’t heard of it, is not a dog, or a racoon, but something more similar to a fox. Originally from East Asia, it is also called a tanuki and is an animal that is significant in Japanese folklore, reputed to be mischievous, a master of disguise and shapeshifting, but somewhat gullible and absent-minded. Not enough of a master of disguise, though, to have evaded notice as a key invasive species that could threaten to destroy UK wildlife.
How did they get here? They’re cute and cuddly so they have a certain appeal as exotic pets – and on the internet are traded for hundreds of pounds – but, since 2019, it has been illegal to buy or sell one. Mostly they have arrived into the UK via this market. In recent years there have been numerous reports of escapes and sightings of them in the wild across the UK – including one that was killed last year in Wales.
Fears vicious killer racoon dogs could run riot in UK as next foreign animal invaders
Experts have warned Brits to be aware of deadly racoon dogs who are likely to invade our shores after tearing through Europe as studies show they can carry tapeworms and kill wildlife
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