They are omnivores. Their favorite food is bamboo shoots, tender branches and leaves of arrow bamboo. They also eat various wild fruits, leaves, moss, as well as small birds, bird eggs, other small animals and insects.

Red pandas are solitary except during the breeding season. Under human care, most breeding pairs live together year-round.

hey usually live in large tree hollows, caves or rock crevices. They are active and forage in the early morning and evening, and sleep mostly in dens or deep shade of big trees during the day.They are excellent climbers and often rest or escape from enemies on high and thin branches.With thick fur on the soles of their feet, they are well adapted to walking on wet mossy ground or rocks in the forest.When walking, their front paws bend inward with a staggering gait, similar to bears.They move slowly and are gentle in temperament, rarely making sounds.Their hearing and sight are relatively poor, and their sense of smell is not particularly acute.They are usually active alone, in pairs or in small groups.They do not hibernate. In rain or snow, they mostly take shelter in rock crevices or deep shade of large trees.

Red pandas share a false thumb with giant pandas – a modified wrist bone used to grasp bamboo while eating.