The Red Panda, scientifically known as Ailurus fulgens, is a mammal that has been classified as a relative to the giant panda and the raccoon. They usually grow to the size of a house cat, but their raccoon-like bushy tails can add another 18 inches. These tails are used as wraparound blankets in their cold mountain environments. They are also referred to as "firefox" or "lesser panda". The red panda's diet is very unusual for a mammal. It consists mostly of bamboo, but it also includes insects and fruit once the weather is warm. Like giant pandas, they also have an extended wrist bone that helps their grip, and almost acts like a thumb. Red pandas live in forests in mountains of Nepal . They are victims of deforestation, making them an endangered
