Giant panda

The giant panda has been the topic of a lot of debate among scientists in recent decades over how exactly to classify the animal. It shares some characteristics with bears, and some characteristics with raccoons. In the last 20 years, scientists have been able to link the panda to both bears and raccoons, but now believe them to be most closely related to bears. They are considered a "subfamily" of the bear family (Ursidae).
The giant panda is about 1.2 - 1.5 meters in length and weighs 75 - 160 kg. They have a thick coat of black and white hair and are probably one of the most recognizable animals with a white body and head, black legs, ears, and eye patches. They are found only in the bamboo forests in the mountains of central Peoples Republic of China, including the provinces of Gansu, Shaanxi, and Sichuan.
Pandas are usually found in the mountains at about 3000 meters above sea level. In the winter they sometimes make their way down to about 800 meters. They do not make a permanent den, but take shelter in any suitable cavity in trees or rock crevices. They do not hibernate, but instead come down to lower elevations where it is warmer and more food is available. Pandas live mainly on the ground, but are able to climb. They feed mainly on bamboo, but also eat other plants and small animals.