Is a Red Panda a Bear? And More Red Panda Facts (2024)

Sept. 19 is International Red Panda Day! Whether you know them as red pandas, red bear-cats, firefoxes, first pandas, lesser pandas or simply “the other pandas,” get to know these ferociously furry animals with a few fun facts.

Is a Red Panda a Bear? And More Red Panda Facts (1)

Is a red panda a real panda?

That depends on your definition of a real panda! The name panda is believed to come from the Nepali word "ponya," meaning "bamboo eater” or “bamboo footed." Despite sharing a common name, giant pandas and red pandas are not closely related. Red pandas are the only living members of their taxonomic family, Ailuridae, while giant pandas are in the bear family, Ursidae.

The red panda was first classified and given its scientific name, Ailurus fulgens, in 1825. Giant pandas were described much later and earned their "panda" name because of the similarities the two species shared, like eating bamboo. So, red pandas could be considered the original (or only) true pandas — even if giant pandas have grown more famous over the years.

Why is a red panda’s tail so fluffy?

It’s all about balance! A red panda’s long, woolly tail helps to keep it steady as it walks along rock ledges and tree branches. Red pandas don’t hibernate through the winter, so their thick fur and bushy tails also provide protection from the cold, wind and other harsh weather.

Is a Red Panda a Bear? And More Red Panda Facts (2)

Is a red panda a bear?

No, nor are they raccoons! Scientists have long debated the red panda’s taxonomy. Red pandas were first described in 1825 as members of the raccoon family, because they have similar skulls, teeth and ringed tails. Later, DNA analysis suggested that red pandas might belong in the bear family.

However, later genetic research placed red pandas in their own family: Ailuridae. Studies of their evolutionary history show that red pandas are an ancient carnivore species and are probably most closely related to skunks, raccoons and weasels. Five million years ago, their ancestors roamed North America!

Where do red pandas live?

Red pandas live in high-altitude, temperate forests in the Himalayas and other tall mountains where bamboo grows. New genetic studies suggest that the originally recognized subspecies of red panda may actually be two distinct species: Ailurus fulgens fulgens and Ailurus fulgens styani (also known as Ailurus fulgens refulgens).

Ailurus fulgens fulgens lives predominantly in Nepal and can also be found in India and Bhutan. Ailurus fulgens styani is primarily found in China and Myanmar, and tends to be larger and deeper red in color.

Do red pandas like snow?

You bet. Red pandas love the snow — and snowy days are the best time to see active red pandas at the Zoo!

Is a Red Panda a Bear? And More Red Panda Facts (3)

Do red pandas make noise?

Red pandas can squeal, twitter, “huff-quack,” hiss and grunt to communicate with each other. Young cubs will sometimes use a whistle or high-pitched bleat when in distress. However, red pandas rely on scent marking more than vocalizations to communicate. They can scent mark by urinating or rubbing the scent-producing glands at the base of their tails against a surface.

Red pandas look like they are doing a “wiggle” dance when they scent mark. The liquid left behind tells other pandas about their sex, age, fertility and more. They also have scent glands between their foot pads, which they use to mark their territory. These glands produce a colorless liquid that humans can’t smell.

When a red panda comes across a new scent mark, it tests the odor with its tongue. The underside of a red panda’s tongue has a cone-like structure to collect liquid and deliver it to a gland inside the mouth, where the scent is interpreted. The red panda is the only carnivore with this adaptation.

Watch male red panda, Jackie, check out female Asa’s scent. He then leaves behind his own.

How big do red pandas get?

Full-grown red pandas typically weigh between 8 and 17 pounds. That’s about the size of a house cat. From tip of the nose to tip of the tail, they usually range from 36 to 43 inches long.

Would a red panda make a good pet?

No way. If the red panda hybrids (fire ferrets) from the animated series “Avatar: The Legend of Korra” have you dreaming of a pet red panda, think again. Real-life red pandas (nicknamed “firefoxes”) are wild animals and should never be kept as pets.

They have sharp teeth and claws that can be dangerous, and scent glands that emit a musky liquid. They also require specialized diets and healthcare. Moreover, red pandas are endangered animals protected by law, so it is illegal to buy and sell them as pets.

Is a Red Panda a Bear? And More Red Panda Facts (4)

What do red pandas eat?

Red pandas may have the digestive system of a carnivore, but they are practically vegetarians. About 95% of their diet is bamboo! They eat the nutritious leaf tips and tender shoots, but skip the culm (woody stem). They also forage for roots, grasses, fruits, insects and grubs. Red pandas may sometimes hunt birds and small mammals, too.

At the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, red pandas eat leafeater biscuits, bamboo and bamboo shoots (when in season). As enrichment treats, they like to snack on apples, grapes, bananas, blueberries and other produce.

What is a group of red pandas called?

A group of red pandas can be called a pack, but they rarely encounter each other. Red pandas are solitary except during the breeding season when it’s not uncommon to see a male and female pair (or even a male and two females). Baby red pandas usually arrive in late spring to early summer (in the northern hemisphere) and stay with their mothers for about a year before heading out on their own.

In zoos, some red pandas live in pairs based on their individual personalities and the size of their exhibit.

Are red pandas good climbers?

Absolutely. Whether napping, sunbathing or fleeing predators, red pandas spend most of their time in trees and are skilled climbers. They can even climb down a tree trunk head-first — thanks to very flexible ankles and the positioning of the fibula and tibia bones in their legs. Sharp claws and fur-covered feet also help red pandas grip as they climb.

Is a Red Panda a Bear? And More Red Panda Facts (5)

How many red pandas are left in the wild?

Red pandas are endangered, and researchers believe that their total population has declined by more than 50% over the last 20 years. Scientists estimate that there may only be 2,500 red pandas remaining in the wild today.

How can I help red pandas?

The best way to help red pandas is to educate yourself and others about these animals. Encourage your friends and family to support conservation efforts, and research ecotourism practices before traveling to an area where red pandas live.

At home, look for ways to shrink your carbon footprint. Reduce, reuse, repurpose and recycle goods to divert waste from landfills, and volunteer to clean up a local ecosystem. These types of activities help keep the air and water free from pollution, which supports species worldwide.

Is a Red Panda a Bear? And More Red Panda Facts (2024)

FAQs

Is a Red Panda a Bear? And More Red Panda Facts? ›

Red pandas were first described in 1825 as members of the raccoon family

raccoon family
Procyonidae (/proʊsiːjɔːnɪdiː/) is a New World family of the order Carnivora. It includes the raccoons, ringtails, cacomistles, coatis, kinkajous, olingos, and olinguitos. Procyonids inhabit a wide range of environments and are generally omnivorous.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Procyonidae
, because they have similar skulls, teeth and ringed tails. Later, DNA analysis suggested that red pandas might belong in the bear family. However, later genetic research placed red pandas in their own family: Ailuridae.

Is a red panda a bear or not? ›

Phylogenetically, the red panda falls under a unique taxonomic group called Ailuridae, sharing common traits with mustelids, which includes racoons, weasels and skunks. Giant pandas are classified under a separate, distant taxonomic family of bears called Ursidae.

What are 5 facts about red pandas? ›

Ten Facts about the Red Panda That Makes It Special
  • They have cute and easily recognizable appearance. ...
  • They are not closely related to the giant panda. ...
  • They have their own independent genetic family. ...
  • They like eating bamboo and sweet food. ...
  • They spend most of time eating and sleeping. ...
  • They are good at climbing trees.

How many red pandas are left in 2024? ›

There are estimated to be around 2500 to 10,000 red pandas left in the wild, worldwide! This makes the red panda classified as an endangered species.

Do red pandas eat meat? ›

Red pandas belong to the order Carnivora, but this has more to do with their biological classification than their actual diet. In reality they rarely eat meat, instead using their powerful molars to grind through up to four pounds of bamboo a day. They also sometimes eat fruit, acorns, roots, eggs, rodents, and birds.

Is a red panda a cat or dog? ›

However, later genetic research placed red pandas in their own family: Ailuridae. Studies of their evolutionary history show that red pandas are an ancient carnivore species and are probably most closely related to skunks, raccoons and weasels.

Is a red panda a type of dog? ›

Most recent genetic research, however, places red pandas in their own, independent family: Ailuridae. Molecular phylogenetic studies show that red pandas are an ancient species in the order Carnivora (superfamily Musteloidea) and are probably most closely related to the group that includes skunks, raccoons and weasels.

Why are there only 10,000 red pandas? ›

The loss of nesting trees and bamboo is causing a decline in red panda populations across much of their range because their forest home is being cleared.

Do red pandas have 5 fingers? ›

Red Panda's Have Six Digits on their Front Paws

Red pandas have a pseudo-thumb: an enlarged, modified wrist bone they use for climbing trees and grabbing bamboo stems and tree branches. Giant pandas have pseudo-thumbs as well but for different reasons.

Do red pandas have 6 fingers? ›

Like Giant Pandas, Red Pandas have six fingers. The extra thumb is actually an extension of the wrist bone. Red Pandas are only active for around 12 hours of the day, at dawn and dusk and for some of the night; the rest of the time they rest, sounds like a good life!

How many red pandas are left in 1999? ›

No one knows exactly how many red pandas are left in their native habitats. In 1999, it was estimated that fewer than 2,500 still existed; however, most current estimates put their numbers closer to 10,000.

How many red pandas were left in 2000? ›

By 2000 the population was 226 (104.122) individuals (studbook data: Sparks data set updated to 31 December 2019). The breeding success also increased the percentage of zoo-born individuals. For example, in 1985 the percentage of zoo-born Red pandas was c.

Did red pandas go extinct? ›

Red pandas are endangered and are legally protected in India, Bhutan, China, Nepal and Myanmar. Their primary threats are habitat loss and degradation, human interference and poaching. Only 1000 individuals of them remain in the wild, in South East Asia.

What eats or kills red pandas? ›

The primary predator of the red panda is thought to be the snow leopard and occasionally martens. Cubs may be hunted by birds of prey and other small carnivores. The red panda is under threat because of habitat loss and the fragmentation of populations, poaching, the pet trade, and forest fires which destroy bamboo.

Can red pandas be pets? ›

IT'S ILLEGAL

They may not be captured or killed legally.

Is a red panda a raccoon? ›

Pandas and raccoons belong to different animal families, but red pandas can be considered somewhat of a distant cousin to the North American raccoon. This is so because scientists believe procyonids are related to the bear family to which the pandas belong.

What bear is not a bear? ›

Do you think a koala is a bear? Keep reading to find the answer! Here's the truth: Despite some pop culture references to adorable “koala bears”, the species you can see all winter at Gumleaf Hideout is actually a marsupial, not a bear.

What are the 8 bear species? ›

There are eight species of bears: the American black bear, the Asiatic black bear, the brown bear, the giant panda, the polar bear, the sloth bear, the spectacled bear, and the sun bear.

What is the red panda bear called? ›

The red panda (Ailurus fulgens), also known as the lesser panda, is a small mammal native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China. It has dense reddish-brown fur with a black belly and legs, white-lined ears, a mostly white muzzle and a ringed tail.

Is A Racoon a bear? ›

About Raccoons – Also Called "Procyon lotor"

Raccoons and bears belong to the same clade of carnivorous mammals, but they are not 'small bears'!

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