The fire ferret is an arboreal mammal indigenous to the bamboo forests of the central Earth Kingdom,[1] and is also found in Republic City. Fire ferrets can be domesticated and kept as pets, much like Pabu, who belongs to Bolin.[2]
The fire ferret has long, soft, reddish-brown fur on most of its body and dark red-brown fur on its short legs. It has a light face with tear markings and robust cranial-dental features.
The light face has white badges similar to those of the red panda, but it is possible that each individual can have distinctive markings. Its roundish head has medium-sized upright ears and a black nose and its long bushy tail has alternating red transverse black rings, though the end of the tail is solid black.[2]
Fire ferrets are known to be docile and friendly creatures. Once tamed, they can easily be kept as pets and are obedient and loyal to their owners, as exhibited by Pabu. Fire ferrets can also be trained to do certain stunts, as demonstrated in Pabu's circus acts.[2]
The fire ferret is a derivation of a red panda in size, fur patterns, and coloration in the face, body, and most distinctly the tail. It has most of the features of the red panda combined with the elongated body of a black-footed ferret.[3]