One of the most curious creatures is the tanuki, or the Japanese raccoon dog. In nature, tanuki are small brown animals that are easily recognized for the dark circles around their eyes. Although they look similar to the North American raccoon, tanuki are actually more closely related to wolves and foxes. Throughout Japan, you can spot statues of chubby, wide-eyed tanuki in wide-brim hats. According to folklore, the tanuki has many magical abilities. The most well-known one is their ability to transform into humans or other animals.
最古怪的生物之一是狸猫，又称日本貉。在自然界中，狸猫是棕色的小动物，很容易因眼睛周围的黑圈而被认出。虽然牠们长得像北美浣熊，狸猫其实与狼及狐狸的亲缘关系较接近。在日本各地，你可以看见身形圆滚滚、有大眼睛又戴著宽簷帽的狸猫雕像。据民间传说，狸猫有许多神奇的能力。最著名的是牠们能够化身成人类或其他动物。
生活必备字词：
creature n. 生物
be related to... （动植物）与……是同类；（人）与……有亲戚关系
statue n. 雕像
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本文节录自《常春藤生活英语》杂志，完整内容请见一月号。
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