Ghosts of the Ice Age: Raccoon Dogs

2025-12-15

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Going back to an old episode, this species warms our hearts! Raccoon dogs are one of the most unusual mammals on Earth. Often mistaken for raccoons, yet actually members of the dog family. Chris and Angie explore the deep evolutionary history of the raccoon dog, tracing its origins back millions of years to ancient canids that survived dramatic climate shifts and mass extinctions. We unpack how raccoon dogs evolved their distinctive traits, including their masked faces, omnivorous diet, and rare ability...

Going back to an old episode, this species warms our hearts!

Raccoon dogs are one of the most unusual mammals on Earth. Often mistaken for raccoons, yet actually members of the dog family. Chris and Angie explore the deep evolutionary history of the raccoon dog, tracing its origins back millions of years to ancient canids that survived dramatic climate shifts and mass extinctions.

We unpack how raccoon dogs evolved their distinctive traits, including their masked faces, omnivorous diet, and rare ability among canids to hibernate. We also examine their current conservation status, the challenges they face across parts of their native and introduced ranges, and why they are often misunderstood or overlooked in conservation conversations.

From Ice Age survivors to modern ecological players, this episode reveals why raccoon dogs are truly special and why they deserve our curiosity, respect, and care.

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