Pandas

The Giant Panda is a member of the raccoon family, not the bear family!

Animal's Body: size, color, type of covering and special body parts.

Giant Pandas are 5 to 6 feet long. They weigh 176 to 276 pounds.

The panda has a thick coat of white fur and black eye patches. The fur feels oily.

They have a large head, heavy body, short tail, and rounded ears.

They have large molars for teeth.

They have short claws.

Animal's Habitat: location in the world they live, type of habitat, and type of home.

The giant panda is found only in China, on the continent of Asia.

Pandas live in cold, damp, forests in the mountains. This is where bamboo, its main food, grows.

Pandas do not make a permanent home. But, they will take shelter in hollow trees, rock crevices and caves.

Animals Living Habits: eating, sleeping and moving.

Giant pandas eat mostly bamboo leaves. But, they may also eat other plants.

Pandas will eat up to 40 pounds of bamboo leaves a day. A panda will spend 10 to 16 hours a day eating.

When pandas are not eating, they sleep and rest.

Pandas move slowly. But when startled, they will move at a slow trot to escape danger. They can climb trees.

Fun Facts

• The Chinese name for the panda means "cat bear".

• Pandas were kept as the pets of ancient Chinese emperors.

• Because pandas live near snow and rock, its coloring provides camouflage.

• Pandas are very solitary animals. This means they like to be alone.