Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens)

If you’re a fan of the Avatar series, you have probably seen what they call, a Fire Ferret. What’s really cool is that this creature is real. Well, not exactly, there are some differences. Check out the little guy out below:

This mammal is called a Red Panda. It’s not really a Panda but his species is distantly related. They are in the same family as raccoons, weasels and skunks. They mostly live in trees and are just too danged cute.

Evidence:

Other names: lesser panda, red bear-cat and red cat-bear.

They don’t make great pets as they tend to mark their territory a lot and they just love to tear things up. Hey, it’s in their nature. They do surprisingly well in larger captive environments; but sadly, due to popular demand as pets, they may be going extinct.

Check these guys out having fun at the Cinncinatti Zoo.

Yes we know. You want one. 🙂