14 DAY TRIAL // Scientists discovered for the first time fossils of red panda in North America in 1977 based on an upper right first molar aged 3-4 millions (early Blancan of Pliocene) in Taunton Local Fauna of the Ringold Formation (Washington state). The species was named Pristinailurus bristoli.
In January 2004 a second discovery of a red panda was made on Gray Fossil Site (eastern Tennessee). It was a similar tooth and a canine aged 4.5-7 millions years (late Miocene - early Pliocene). The molar traits were of an Ailuridae (red panda family).
Recently a lower jawbone was uncovered: "The nice thing about it is that it's confirmation," Dr. Steven Wallace, ETSU's lead paleontologist at the site, said Wednesday. "You hate to have a one-shot wonder."
The jawbone is from a second specimen of the same species, because the teeth are older than the previously found tooth. "The first tooth was virtually unerupted. It had no wear," Wallace said. "This was from a much older adult that had full wear on all its teeth."
Although the jawbone was found in two pieces, it is nearly complete. "What it's missing are the little front premolars, which are really tiny and often fall out, but other than that, it's a really nice specimen," Wallace said.
The red panda of Tennessee is a species close to Parailurus, a fossil red panda of Europe. Red panda's fossil marks another fossil of an Eurasian mammal found on Gray Fossil Site.
Most zoologists place the red panda in their own family (Ailuridae). However, these fossils show a suspected close relationship between red panda and raccoons (Procyonidae family). In fact, DNA research shows a close relationship amongst red panda, raccoons and weasel family (Mustelidae).
The only living red panda (Ailurus fulgens) (photo) is a bamboo specialized animal, slightly larger than a cat, found only in Eastern Himalaya. The other much more well known panda - the giant panda - is essentially a bamboo specialized bear.