Not long ago, Ms. Hu, a citizen from Shanghai, China, picked up a “puppy” with an umbilical cord attached, and named it “Jixiang”. However, the “lucky” that grows up every day is less and less like a “puppy”. Later, experts confirmed that it was actually a raccoon dog under the national second-class protection. Not long ago, “Jixiang” was sent to the Shanghai Zoo for temporary custody.
The raccoon dog is a very ancient canine species, with a stubby and fat body, a shiny black-brown coat, and mostly black limbs. At first glance, it looks a little silly and a little “square”, but at a closer look, it still looks like a raccoon. There are dark circles around the eyes, and the nose and mouth are trimmed with white borders and covered with black and white felt. Unlike most canines, the raccoon dog is very good at climbing trees, and also enjoys fishing in the water, and it is the only animal in the canine family that needs to hibernate and needs to retreat in winter.
The researchers found that in recent years, the number of wild raccoon dogs has increased due to intentional or unintentional feeding by humans, and the behavior of raccoon dogs has also been deviated in individual areas, which may gather or actively approach humans. On the whole, the raccoon dog is a very timid, shy, and hidden animal in front of people. Although under normal circumstances, raccoon dogs will not actively attack humans, experts also remind that in case of being bitten by a raccoon dog, you must remember to clean the wound in time for sterilization, and go to the hospital for vaccination. The entire disposal process is the same as being bitten by a dog.
Not long ago, “Jixiang” was sent to the Shanghai Zoo for temporary custody.
Ms. Hu said: “We don’t have much expectation that Xiao Jixiang will remember us, but we feel very honored and happy to have it in our memory.”