The Japanese raccoon dog (Nyctereutes viverrinus), also known as the tanuki , is a species of canid endemic to Japan. It is one of two species in the genus Nyctereutes, alongside the commmon raccoon dog (N. procyonoides), of which it was formerly thought to be a subspecies.  The Japanese raccoon dog is mainly nocturnal, but they are known to be active during daylight. They vocalize by growling or with groans that have pitches resembling those of  domesticated cats. Like cats, the Japanese raccoon dog arches its back when it is trying to intimidate other animals; however, they assume a defensive posture similar to that of other canids, lowering their bodies and showing their bellies to submit.  Usually social groups are limited to a breeding pair, but individual Japanese raccoon dogs may stay in a group of non-paired individuals until they find a mate