Top 10 facts on Pandas

• Pandas used to be fairly common in the lowlands of central China. But overdevelopment has forced them out of their habitat. Today, they can mostly be found in the mountains of the Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu mountains.
• Giant pandas live in forests which are dense with bamboo, at elevations of about 7,500 feet. These areas are usually characterized by their dense mists, torrential rains and heavy clouds.
• The giant panda has black fur on its ears, eye patches, muzzle, legs, and shoulders. The rest of the bear’s coat is white. Although the purpose of these colors are unknown by scientists, some have suggested that speculate that the bold colors provide camouflage into their snowy and rocky habitats.
• Pandas have large molar teeth and very strong jaw muscles. This is for crushing tough bamboo. It’s an easy mistake to assume that these cute animals are harmless. In fact, they’re just as dangerous as any other bear.
• Giant pandas stand between three feet tall on all four legs, and reach about six feet long. Males can weigh up to 250 pounds in the wild. Females rarely reach 225 lbs.
• The giant panda is listed as an endangered species on the Red List of Threatened Animals. There are only about 1,500 left in the wild. Over 150 pandas live in zoos and breeding centers around the world. Most of them are in China.
• Nobody knows exactly how long Giant Pandas live in the wild. Pandas in captivity can live as long as 35 years. Scientists are almost certain that wild pandas don’t live as long as pandas in captivity.
• A giant panda’s diet consists almost entirely of bamboo. In zoos, their diets are varied, and consist of other foods such as carrots, cookies, fruits and root vegetables.
• Giant pandas are mainly solitary. Although they do communicate through calls, scent and occasional in-person (in-bear?) meetings.
• Pandas usually eat while sitting upright. Much in the same way that you’ll see humans sitting on the floor.

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