noun
In everyday Japanese, ムジナ often refers to the Japanese badger (Meles anakuma), but historically the term was ambiguous and could also mean raccoon dog or other similar animals. Cross-referenced with 穴熊 (badger) for this sense.
See also: 穴熊
ムジナは夜行性で、穴を掘って暮らしている。
The badger is nocturnal and lives in burrows.
noun
Historically, ムジナ was also used for the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides), though modern Japanese usually uses タヌキ for that animal. This sense is now rare and mostly found in older texts or regional usage.
See also: 狸
昔話では、ムジナが化けて出るという話がある。
In old tales, there are stories of raccoon dogs shapeshifting.
Kanji form; rarely used in modern writing.
The origin is uncertain. The word has been used historically for both badgers and raccoon dogs, leading to ambiguity. The kanji 狢 and 貉 are both associated with badger-like animals.