Guess who’s never beating the “cutie patootie” allegations? It’s the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides)! It can be found in parts of northern Europe and Asia. In the colder areas of its range, this species hibernates through the winter. To prepare for this long rest, individuals gorge themselves with food—including insects, fruit, and crustaceans. A raccoon dog can gain up to 50 percent of its weight during this process, and at its peak, an individual can weigh up to 22 lbs (10 kg). Photo: sduben, iStock
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