There are a few animals that are known for having long, reddish-brown fur or hair. When trying to identify an animal based on this physical trait, it’s helpful to consider the typical coloration and fur length of common mammal species. By systematically ruling out animals that don’t match the criteria, we can narrow down the possibilities until the mystery animal is revealed.
In this article, we’ll explore several animals with red or brown fur and evaluate if they meet the “long hair” qualification. We’ll also look at some visual aids like photos and tables to compare fur characteristics. By the end, the identity of the long, reddish-brown haired animal will become clear.
Mammals With Reddish Coats
There are a number of mammals that have fur or hair that could be described as reddish-brown or a similar rusty shade:
- Red foxes – Red foxes have thick, fluffy tails and reddish-brown fur over much of their body. However, their fur would not be considered particularly long.
- Red pandas – These raccoon-like animals have long, fluffy red and brown fur to keep them warm in the high altitude forest areas where they live. Their tails are very long and bushy as well.
- Orangutans – These great apes have long reddish-brown body hair over most of their body. The hair can grow several inches long, especially on adult males.
- Brown bears – Grizzly bears and other brown bear species have fur that ranges from dark brown to golden or reddish-brown. But their fur is fairly short.
- Red squirrels – These small tree squirrels have fur that varies from orangey-red to deep reddish-brown. Their fur is moderately long but not remarkably so.
Of these options, red pandas and orangutans stand out as having particularly long fur that could match the reddish-brown description we’re looking for. Next, we’ll compare their fur characteristics in more detail.
Fur Length Comparison
To better evaluate which animal has longer fur, here is a table comparing the typical fur length of red pandas and orangutans:
| Animal | Fur Length |
|---|---|
| Red panda | 2 – 5 inches |
| Orangutan | 3 – 4 inches |
Based on this data, both red pandas and orangutans have fur reaching several inches in length. Red pandas may have slightly longer fur on average, but there is overlap with orangutans.
To get a visual sense of their fur length, here are comparison photos:
These photos illustrate the impressive fur length of both species. The red panda has very long, fluffy fur, especially on the tail. The orangutan also has shaggy, long hair hanging off its arms and body.
Reddish-Brown Fur Color
When it comes to the reddish-brown color specifier, both red pandas and orangutans have fur colors that could match this description:
- Red pandas have fur ranging from fiery red to chocolate brown to yellowish-brown.
- Orangutans have fur that varies from bright orange-red to deep maroon to brownish-red.
So in terms of fur color, both species have coats that incorporate red, brown, and orange tones that could be classified as reddish-brown.
Here are some more fur color comparison photos:
As you can see, both animals display a range of red, orange, and brown shades in their fur.
Conclusion
Based on this analysis of fur length, coloration and photographic evidence, both red pandas and orangutans have fur that could match the description of being long and reddish-brown.
However, red pandas have coats that are more uniformly long and fluffy over their entire bodies. Orangutans have longer fur on some parts of the body than others. So if we had to select just one animal whose fur is longest overall, the red panda would be the best answer.
But both species share impressive reddish-brown fur that makes them stand out in the mammal world. The vibrant, warm tones of their coats and the long, soft texture creates an eye-catching appearance for these unique creatures. Their beautiful fur helps equip them for the cold climates where red pandas and orangutans make their home.
So in summary, while both animals have very long reddish-brown fur, the red panda is the one whose coat is longest across their entire body. This likely helps provide insulation from cold and wet conditions in the tall, misty forests of the Himalayas where red pandas dwell. Their long fur also gives them a wonderfully fluffy and cuddly appearance that endears them to humans.
Hopefully this overview of reddish-brown furred mammals has shed some light on the original question. Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions!
Other Long Haired Reddish-Brown Animals
While the red panda has the longest and most uniformly reddish-brown fur across its entire body, there are a couple other mammals that may also fit the criteria:
– Irish Setters – These dogs have long, feathered, reddish-brown fur. The fur is not as uniformly long as a red panda’s, but the chest, ears, tail and legs feature longer fur.
– Highland Cattle – This Scottish bovine breed has a double coat of hair that can be reddish-brown and reach 4-5 inches long in the winter. Their shaggy bangs hang down over their eyes.
– Bactrian Camels – These two-humped camels have thick, reddish-brown fur that can grow up to 8 inches long in winter. Their fur helps insulate them from cold desert nights.
So while red pandas have the longest and plushest reddish-brown coats overall, the other animals mentioned above also have significant amounts of long fur in this color range that may qualify them as answers to the question as well. The key distinguishing feature of the red panda is that nearly their entire body is covered in exceptionally long fur.
Why Long Reddish-Brown Fur Occurs
There are a few reasons why certain mammals like red pandas have evolved long, reddish-brown fur:
– Camouflage – Reddish-brown tones help fur blend into forest environments with dirt, clay soils, and reddish tree bark.
– Insulation – Long, dense fur helps retain body heat, especially useful in cold mountain climates.
– Water resistance – The long furrepels rain and moisture when wet.
– Sun protection – Red/brown pigment protects skin from sun damage from UV rays at high altitude.
So in essence, long reddish-brown fur helps animals survive and thrive in certain environments where their coloring and fur length offers selective advantages. Over time, these beneficial traits were naturally selected for in species like red pandas inhabiting wet, high altitude forests.
Caring for Long Haired Reddish-Brown Pets
If you have a pet with long reddish-brown fur, like an Irish Setter for example, it needs some specialized care:
– Brush frequently – Long fur is prone to matting and needs regular brushing. Use an undercoat rake to remove loose hair.
– Bathe when needed – Overbathing strips oils, but occasional bathing helps keep fur clean.
– Trim fur – Some long fur around feet, ears and eyes may need trimming for hygiene.
– Check for parasites – Long coats can harbor fleas, ticks or mites; inspect fur for bugs.
– Supplement nutrition – A diet rich in omega fatty acids promotes healthy skin and a lustrous coat.
With diligent grooming and care, your long haired reddish-brown pet can maintain their beautiful fur in optimal condition. The extra effort pays off in having a uniquely colored and textured coat.
In Closing
In this thorough quest to identify the mystery mammal with long reddish-brown fur, we determined the red panda to be the top contender based on its universally long, fluffy coat in various shades of red, orange and brown. This trait likely evolved to help the panda survive in its chilly, wet forest environment.
But other animals like orangutans, Irish Setters and Highland Cattle also exhibit remarkably long fur in reddish-brown hues. And caring for pets like Irish Setters with this type of coat requires dedicated grooming and care.
Hopefully this exploration brought some clarity to the original question. Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions!
