How Do Pandas Protect Themselves?
Pandas use their physical strength, large molar teeth and strong jaw muscles to protect themselves. They also rely on their natural climbing and swimming skills to flee from predators if the occasion calls for it.
Although the panda is a formidable foe, predators like leopards, jackals and yellow-throated martens sometimes attack them or their cubs. Pandas are usually peaceful, but they will fight back if threatened. The panda shows aggression by lowering its head and staring at its opponent directly.
Pandas are around the same size as American black bears, and the panda’s weight of nearly 300 pounds and height of 4 to 5 feet tall comes in handy when the panda is forced to protect itself from predators. The same large molar teeth and strong jaws that the panda uses for crushing bamboo on a regular basis can also be used to bite predators if the situation requires it.
Interestingly, panda are solitary creatures that don’t enjoy the company of one another. In fact, the panda’s sense of smell alerts it to the presence of other pandas so that it can avoid them. If two of them get too close, they will growl, swat and even bite one another.
