Recently finished reading Tom Robbins' "Villa Incognito" (recommended) in which, one of the main protagonists, is a Tanuki (or rather 'The' Tanuki). So I found these prints even more amusing.
This is the only member of the dog family that hibernates! It's native to Japan (where it's called Tanuki) and China, and it's been introduced into parts of eastern Europe. It's about twice the size of a Beagle. I love them !