Are panda bears really bears?

Pandas are in the Family Ursidae, and are considered true bears. There seems to be some misinformation floating around the web that pandas are more closely related to raccoons than bears. Although scientists first thought this was the case, it is not considered true anymore. read more

Similarities to a bear: Obviously, the giant panda strikes many as a bear because it has a very similar shape and size. But the giant panda also shares the characteristic shaggy fur and walks and climbs like a bear [source: Maher]. read more

Yes, Pandas ARE bears:) No. Giant pandas are more like Koalas than they are bears. A panda is The Panda is not a beer, but it is a member of the bear family. It was once thought of as a member of the raccoon family, due to its colouring, but it is a bear. read more