Red panda, guinea pigs, and other animals with totally misleading names

Have you ever found yourself puzzled over an animal’s name? It’s more common than you might think. Many animals have misleading names, with their actual physique, classifications, and traits being nowhere close to their names. Why? Some were named long before the scientific classification system existed, some got their names from folklore, some were named based on physical attributes rather than nomenclature protocol, and some wrong names just caught on and became part of pop culture. Here are some such animals that will leave you scratching your head with their misleading names.

Honey bear is actually a raccoon, which doesn’t resemble bears at all. This nocturnal rainforest animal occasionally raids beehives and licks honey with their long tongue. Since these carnivores can easily climb trees, resemble a small furry bear in their stature, and love honey, they are called honey bears.

Unlike their names, these are not at all related to the conventional black and white pandas — in fact, they are closer to raccoons, badgers and skunks. Their name comes from the Nepalese word ponya, which means bamboo eater. Since red pandas love to eat bamboo just like the conventional one, they have been named so.

This cartilaginous fish is actually a shark and not even remotely related to whales, the giant marine mammals. Their misleading name stems from their close similarity to the latter in size and feeding habits. Whale sharks are the world’s largest fish, which can sometimes reach 18.8 metres in length.

This adorable animal is neither a pig nor from Guinea. While it isn’t clear why it is called so, there are multiple theories. Some believe that when this rodent first came to Europe, it travelled through Guinea, earning it the name, while others argue that the reason lies in its pig-like squeaking voice. Interestingly, its German and Polish names also include the word “pig”.

Read the full article →

Now retrieving an image set.

HONEY CARE All-Absorb A26 Male Dog Wrap, 50 Count, Small

(46549618)

$14.39 (as of December 3, 2025 19:48 GMT -06:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Now retrieving an image set.

ARM & HAMMER Clump & Seal SLIDE Platinum Multi-Cat Clumping Cat Litter, 14-Day Odor Control, EZ Clean Technology, 18 lbs – No Scrubbing, Powerful Odor Eliminator

(46549923)

$17.99 (as of December 3, 2025 19:48 GMT -06:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Now retrieving an image set.

Pur Luv Chicken Jerky Dog Treats, Made with 100% Real Chicken Breast, 16 Ounces, Healthy, Easily Digestible, Long-Lasting, High Protein, Satisfies Dog's Urge to Chew

(4659873)

$12.99 (as of December 3, 2025 19:48 GMT -06:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Now retrieving an image set.

Earth Rated Poop Bags for Dogs, Guaranteed Leak Proof and Extra Thick Waste Bag Refill Rolls, Lavender Scented, 270 Bags

(485240485)

$13.99 (as of December 3, 2025 19:48 GMT -06:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Now retrieving an image set.

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements FortiFlora Canine Probiotics for Dogs, Helps Digestive Gut Health and Diarrhea - 30 ct. Box

(47546101)

$30.99 (as of December 3, 2025 19:48 GMT -06:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)