Red Pandas

 Several years ago we got to visit the Boise Zoo with some of our grandchildren. We weren’t sure what we would get to see, because it was chilly and actually dropping a few flurries, but we decided to venture out anyway. In one enclose we got to see Red Pandas.

Red Pandas are normally found in southwestern China. It is not really a true panda but more closely related to raccoons, weasels, and skunks. They live in the coniferous forests close to water. They do eat bamboo leaves like the great panda, so that’s where it gets the name. They also like fruits, blossoms, and the occasional egg.

They have reddish fur on top and black fur underneath. They have white ears, with white cheeks, and a white face. They have a reddish tail with a black tip and little black rings. They are not really big. They
are only 2-3 feet long with their tail. They love to climb trees but they are a little shy. They can run quickly on the ground by trotting or bounding. They sleep in trees during the day and wander around at evening and during the night.

Red pandas make lots of noises. They can make growls, barks, squeals, hoots, bleats, grunts and twitters. This helps them communicate with pandas and other animals.

Red pandas can have 1-4 cubs and are very good parents. The mother makes a den in a tree or hollow log for them to live in for their first few months. Red pandas can live for 14 years.

Red pandas are endangered because the forests where they live because of poachers and people cutting down lots of trees.

Here is a video for you.

I hoped you liked finding out about red pandas!

Love Papaw.