Raccoon

Raccoons are a species of special characters in Animal Crossing. In Japanese, however, the species is referred to as "tanuki" (as well as "neoguri" in Korean) or "raccoon dogs". The raccoon dogs have facial markings that bear a resemblance to the raccoons, but are otherwise not closely related, instead belonging in the same biological family as dogs and wolves. There are three raccoons in the so far.

Other information
In Japanese folklore, raccoon dogs, or tanuki, are often depicted as mythical creatures with shapeshifting powers. Using leaves, they can assume different forms, generally doing so to pull pranks on humans, which is likely why pocketed furniture items are stylized as leaves in the Animal Crossing series. Tanuki cloth is also associated with wealth and money in Japanese culture; this might be the inspiration behind Tom Nook's financial success.

Related canine species

 * Dog
 * Wolf
 * Fox