Hobbies And Interests
Identification
Tanuki measure 25 to 31 inches long and weigh 14 to 16 lbs. Tanuki eat an omnivorous diet that includes vegetation, fish, small mammals and amphibians. Tanuki may play dead to fool predators. Some tanuki hibernate in winter.
Conservation
Not endangered as of 2010, tanuki could face endangerment in the future, according to Zoo Atlanta. Hunters kill tanuki for their fur, and traditional Asian medicine also uses tanuki bones.
Fun Facts
In Japanese folklore, tanuki are mischievous animals with supernatural strength that can change their shape at will. Many Japanese restaurants and shops have statues of plump tanuki by the door.