 This taxon is synonymized with "N. p. viverrinus" in "Mammal Species of the World", but comparative morphometric analysis supports recognizing the Hokkaido population as a distinct subspecific unit.The IUCN places the raccoon dog at "least concern" status due to the animal's wide distribution in Japan and abundant population, including as an introduced species throughout northeastern Europe.In many European countries, it is legal to hunt raccoon dogs, as they are considered a harmful and invasive species.