Animal_Tales_-_February_2020

(Barry) #1

41


THEY DON’T


HIBERNATE.


They aren’t able to bulk up on foods
and hide away for the cold weather
months like the rest of the bear family.
That’s because of their bamboo diet.
It wouldn’t provide enough nutrients
to sustain them for such a long time
underground.

THEY’RE


BORN PINK.


It’s true — they aren’t
born with their signature
black and white fur.
They have pink skin
with a very thin white
coat. Their fur comes
in by the time they’re
1 month old. The skin
underneath a panda’s
white fur always
remains pink, while the
skin under the black fur
darkens as it grows up.

THEY HAVE THUMBS


... SORT OF.


Most bears don’t have opposable
thumbs the way humans do, but giant
pandas have evolved to have an enlarged
wristbone. They need their “thumbs” to
hold all the bamboo they eat.

THEY’D ACE GYM CLASS.


While it may sound like pandas spend all of
their time eating and sleeping, they have some
athletic skills, too. They’re very good at climbing
trees and can swim quickly.

THEY’RE NOT LOOKING


FOR RELATIONSHIPS.


Panda parents do not stay together. After
mating, the females actually chase the
males out of their territory and will later
raise their cubs alone.

N M!


SUNNYWS/SHUTTERSTOCK

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