Pet Scoop: Red Panda Invades a Home in China, Siku Debuts on the Today Show
Published on December 28, 2011
December 28, 2011: We've scoured the Web to find the best and most compelling animal stories, videos and photos. And it's all right here.

Adorable Red Panda Makes a House Call in China
A woman in China found a surprise visitor in her home: a rare red panda. The small panda apparently walked right in when she had the door open. She kept the critter warm by making up a bed of grass, until wildlife officials came to rescue the panda and release the animal safely back into the wild. — Watch it at ITN
Ohio Vets Are on the Alert for Rabies
A 3-year-old Siberian Husky in Ohio, who was 13 months past due for a rabies vaccination, contracted the disease in October, prompting veterinarians in the state to protect their staff from exposure. It's the second known case of rabies in an Ohio dog since 1990. Meanwhile, officials believe that a woman in South Carolina contracted rabies from a bat bite this month — it's the first case of rabies in a human there in 50 years. — Read it at DVM 360
Larry the Cat Isn't Welcome at Prime Minister's Private Digs
Poor Larry. The chief mouser at 10 Downing Street isn't allowed access to Prime Minister David Cameron’s newly renovated living quarters. A spokesman insists that it’s nothing personal — it’s just a practical matter because the flat is locked during the day. “David and his children are very keen on Larry," he said. "But . . . if he was in it, he wouldn’t be able to get into the rest of the building where he has the run of the place. He wouldn’t be able to access the rats.” — Read it at the Mirror
Siku the Polar Bear Charms Today Show Watchers
Who can get enough of Siku the polar bear cub, who we introduced you to last week? Luckily, the Today show interviewed his main caretaker (with Siku himself on hand) and heard about why he doesn’t think that this little guy will suffer the same fate as Knut, Germany’s hand-raised polar bear who died suddenly in March at age 4. While he talked via satellite from Denmark, the little bear showed off some of his precious antics. — Watch it at Today
Wolf Dog Found Wandering in NYC Has a Temporary Home
Lady, now renamed Winona, a wolf and dog hybrid, was found roaming the streets of Queens, N.Y., where wolf dogs are illegal. Winona is now staying with several other dogs of her kind at a farm in New Jersey, where they are legal. She should be ready for adoption in about a week. — Read it at NBC New York
Adults Are at Higher Risk of Coming Down With Cat Allergies
A study has found that adults are more likely to develop an allergy to cats than kids, even if they’ve never had allergies in the past. The findings have shown that children who grow up with cats are less likely to develop allergy symptoms. — Read it at the NY Daily News