Native to central-western and south western China, the panda bear--(real name Giant Panda)--is a member of the bear family.  The panda bear is an endangered species, only being an estimated number of 1,600 to 3,000 pandas living in the wild.  It is said by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, that there is not enough certainty to remove the Giant Panda from the list of endangered animals.

A panda's menu consists of 99% bamboo, eating an average amount of 20 to 30 pounds of bamboo shoots per day.  Pandas have also been known to eat eggs, fish, honey, shrub leaves, yams, oranges, and bananas when available.  Although a panda's diet is mainly herbivorous, the Giant Panda is actually classified as a Carnivore.  Who knew!

The Giant Panda serves as an emblem for China, making its appearance on modern Chinese commemorative silver, gold, and platinum coins.

Fun Fact:  The panda bear owns the second longest tail in the bear family, being 4-6 inches long.  The number one spot goes to the Sloth Bear.

Here are some YouTube videos about panda bears that I enjoyed watching: