giant panda debate

[Kermit's #1 Fan]

	I work in a bookstore.  Recently a woman was buying a children's 
book all about bears. The book, which was dated 1994, included pandas. When 
I voiced my disbelief, the woman agreed, got confused and didn't buy the 
book.
	Also recently,  I saw a show on PBS about bears. The show stated 
that pandas (giant and red) are relatives of the raccoon, which is what I 
always thought.

	Does anyone know if pandas are related to bears, raccoons, or even 
if the zoological world is in fact in a heated debate over the topic?

	Please email me directly with your answer.  I rarely get to check 
the newsgroups.

Thanks.

A. Daniels
the curious.

lis at ties.org