The Giant Panda
By: Sara K
Age: 13
Atlanta, GA USA

 
Panda Bears are incredible animals. Pandas are native to south central China. Giant Pandas are identified by their black spotty eyes, and white fur coloring. Their fur is thick, and keeps them warm in cold, wet climate. Unlike other bears, Pandas do not roar. Instead they are gentle, sweet bears. Pandas mainly eat Bamboo, and on a normal day they eat about an average of 26 to 84 pounds of Bamboo daily. 
         Unfortunately, Giant Pandas are an endangered species. One of the main reasons why they are endangered is because of the destruction of their habitat. Because China is such a densely populated country, Pandas habitats are taken over by factories and developments. Bamboo is also a common resource in China, which means Pandas food is being tampered with. Bamboo, firewood, and medicinal herbs are all found in these forests, and while they are useful for humans, they are also part of a Pandas habitat. Poaching of Pandas does also still occur. Poaching is the act of illegal hunting or catching animals. While it is illegal to poach Pandas for their fur, it does still occur in some areas. It is rare for a Panda to actually die from poaching, however they can become severely injured or sometimes killed from traps and weapons. 
         A Panda is an amazing animal. Not only are they adorable, they are very interesting and there is always something new to learn about them. 


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Bibliography:
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"Giant Panda." WorldWildlife.org. World Wildlife Fund, n.d. Web. 08 June 2016. <http://www.worldwildlife.org/species/giant-panda>.

"Giant Panda Bear Facts | Endangered Animals." Animal Fact Guide. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 June 2016. <http://www.animalfactguide.com/animal-facts/giant-panda/>.

"What You Can Do." WWF Conserves Our Planet, Habitats, & Species like the Panda & Tiger. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 June 2016. <http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/endangered_species/giant_panda/whatyoucando/>.