They have been known to weigh up to 350 pounds. Females are about 20 percent smaller than males. Giant pandas have a very heavy fur coat consisting of a long coarse outer layer and an under layer which is dense and wooly. Like
polar bears, their fur is very oily to repel water and protect them from the cool
damp climate. Their torso and disproportionately large head are both white. They have black rounded ears, black eye patches, a black
band across their shoulders, and black legs. Their front paws have extended wrist bones (radial sesamoids) which are flexible and can
be used like a thumbs. This allows the bears to more skillfully handle their food such as bamboo stems