This is perhaps one of the cutest looking animals going, thus a particular favorite of mine. It looks a lot like a Raccoon and a bit like a cat, but strangely enough it is classified as a Panda bear. Experts think it is 'bearable' due to the number of similarities to the black and white Giant Panda bear. To look at both animals, you would be forgiven for thinking that there were no similarities at all, but think again. Here is a list of common features:

• Both eat large amounts of Bamboo.
• Both are considered to have the digestive system of a carnivore, though both do not eat meat.
• Both have massive premolar teeth and chewing muscles.
• The muzzle (snout) and jaws of each are similar in shape.
• The blood make-up is very similar.
• he skeletal structure is similar.
• Though they are classified as bears, they both do not hibernate.
• Both are native to south-west China (esp. The Himalayas)
• Both have a type of 'thumb', which is an exclusive panda feature. It is called a sixth digit and is an extension from the wrist bone. There is an nice little pad on it and is used for gripping Bamboo.
• Unlike bears they do not growl or roar.
• Both are not aggressive, unlike normal bears. It is very rare that they will attack humans.
• The Giant Panda's 42 chromosomes are far closer to the red panda's count of 36 than the 74 found in most bears.

'Panda'monium!
Another reason I like the Red Panda is for the confusion it presents to the evolutionist. What could have the Red Panda evolved from? Even today an evolutionist cannot give to a definite answer. Research over the years has shown that the Red Panda is a Raccoon, but then new research is presented that shows that it is linked to the Giant Panda bear. Even today the classification of Pandas continues to be controversial. It is as if the Red Panda is in a class of its own! Things get a lot less complicated if you believe that a mighty creator God made the Red Panda as it is to perform the function that it does.

Fire Fox Facts

• It is the logo of the popular Netscape/Mozilla open source Fire Fox web browser.
• Adult Red Pandas lead solitary lives.
• It is considered to be an endangered species due to habitat loss.
• The Chinese used to use the Red Panda's bushy tales as household dusters.
• This Animal has so many names! You can call it a Lesser Panda, A Red Cat Bear, a Wah, a Fire Fox, a Red Panda or an Ailurus Fulgens (Latin Name).
• The diet of a Panda is mainly Bamboo, but they also eat berries, blossoms, leaves, fruits, acorns, insects, mice and the occasional birds egg or two.
• They spend about 85% of the day eating. (Sounds good to me!)

God made Bamboo and he made the Red Panda to be able to eat it - in fact to depend on it. He also made it cute and fluffy and is another wonder of God's creation for us to enjoy. Praise God for His creative ingenuity!

-LS