Raccoon or Dog? US Government Decides the Fate of Animal Fur

[Potoooooooo]

Is this animal, Nyctereutes procyonoides, best referred to as an Asiatic raccoon or as a raccoon dog? The answer to that question is actually more complicated than you might think — and could determine whether this animal will be killed for its fur or not.

 

[Nice Squirrel]

make great slippers

 

[Arctish]

They are best referred to as tanuki. They are very different from anything in the Canine and Procyonid families. Their scrotums are unique in the animal kingdom, and their ability to walk upright and pull pranks is more like a Hominid than anything else.

http://pinktentacle.com/2009/06/all-purpose-tanuki-testicles-prints-by-kuniyoshi/

 

[dismal]

Raccoon or Dog? US Government Decides the Fate of Animal Fur

What could the government do that's more important than translating our sentimental preferences about certain animals into crimes?[/conservoprogressive]

 

[Valjean]

OK, I found the legislation in question: http://animals.io9.com/raccoon-or-d...s-the-fate-of-anima-1575954260/+AnnaleeNewitz

Biologically they're canids, primitive canids, but canids nonetheless. A couple black smudges under the eyes do not a raccoon make.

"Asiatic raccoons?" There are no raccoons, or any other procyonids (raccoons, coatis, &c) in Asia. They're purely New World beasties.

 

[Tom Sawyer]

Looks tasty. I'll take two.

 

[Potoooooooo]

They are best referred to as tanuki. They are very different from anything in the Canine and Procyonid families. Their scrotums are unique in the animal kingdom, and their ability to walk upright and pull pranks is more like a Hominid than anything else.

http://pinktentacle.com/2009/06/all-purpose-tanuki-testicles-prints-by-kuniyoshi/

I think I love you