Pandas and their fight to overcome the threat of extinction has given the world the impression that these creatures are simple, gentle giants. However, these animals are still bears. If you threaten them, they might just attack you.
A panda bear will attack you if you make it feel threatened. As a rule, pandas do not aggressively prey on humans, but a panda may act defensively if you approach it too quickly, harm it, or invade its space. A panda is, after all, a bear, despite its cute appearance.
In this article, I’ll explain why a panda bear might attack you, tell you about some instances of panda bear attacks, and teach you how to recognize aggression in panda bears. So, let’s demystify panda bear attacks and dive into the details so you know what to expect from these gentle – or not so gentle – giants.
Examples of Reported Panda Bear Attacks
Panda attacks can be hard to imagine, but they do happen.
Headlines from around the world confirm panda aggression toward humans, which often results in serious injuries. Here are several reports of panda bear attacks from the past several years:
- In another case of rare panda violence, a man had his leg assaulted by a wild panda in 2006. This attack resulted in the man spending more than two months in the hospital.
- A man was killed by a panda when he snuck into the bear’s habitat in 2009.
- A visitor at the Beijing Zoo in 2009 was attacked when he entered the panda’s habitat. This man was lucky. He walked away with some lacerations and a rabies shot.
- A toddler was bitten by a panda at a zoo in Washington, DC, in 2012. The little girl did not sustain any severe injuries, while the panda was reported not to have been aggressive.
- In 2021, a panda bear attacked a zookeeper at a private zoo in Belgium, resulting in serious injuries.
- According to the San Diego Zoo, a keeper suffered a bite while attempting to lead the bear back into its habitat in 2011.
While this list details some of the more widely known bear attack incidents, many more stories highlight this real possibility when around panda bears.
Many of these incidents involved people invading the bears’ personal space, confronting the bear, or being close to the panda. So, although a panda won’t go out of its way to attack you, it might defensively harm you if it feels threatened.
A Panda’s Weapons
Remember that a panda is still a bear, no matter how gentle it may seem. All bears are well-known predators.
Even if a panda does not have the intent to harm you, bears are powerful animals that could do much damage to a human without much effort.
For example, pandas’ jaw muscles and teeth have evolved to be able to eat through bamboo rods. After all that crunching on bamboo, one bite from a panda bear could easily pierce through human skin.
In addition, pandas are enormous creatures and can be overpowering. Males are usually around 250 pounds (113 kg), while females typically grow to be about 220 pounds (100 kg).
When you combine a panda’s exceptional strength, massive body size, and formidable teeth, you get a bear that can quickly eliminate a threat.
Reasons a Panda Bear Might Attack a You
Although panda bears might have massive bodies and sharp, strong jaws, they aren’t naturally aggressive and do not hunt for large game.
So, for the most part, panda attacks are very rare. However, as I mentioned, they do happen.
So, why might a panda attack you? Let’s talk about it:
- You have invaded the panda’s space. Pandas like their space, and if you try to pet one or get too close, it might see you as a threat. Giving pandas unwanted attention is the leading cause of panda attacks, so just give them their space, and you will be safe.
- You have startled the panda. Pandas, in general, prefer to be alone and won’t seek out companionship for most of the year. When a panda bear is isolated, any approach by a human or another intruder might trigger hostility, especially when taken by surprise.
- It’s panda mating season. Pandas’ solitary lifestyle and the mating season can trigger aggression, especially if the bear lives in a zoo or conservation facility. During their mating period, pandas can be incredibly aggressive since they don’t want anyone to stop them as they attempt to locate a mate.
How To Avoid a Panda Attack
Pandas have behaviors and preferences just like all other living creatures. The bear’s social behaviors can give people some clues about what to look out for if you’re in any situation involving pandas and potential attacks.
Don’t Approach Panda Bears
As I mentioned, pandas are solitary creatures that don’t take well to any uninvited company.
So, keep your distance if you see a panda at a zoo or in the wild. The panda will only attack if it feels threatened, so no matter what you do, do not approach the panda and give it no reason to think that you plan on hurting it.
Don’t Enter a Panda’s Enclosure
Panda bear attacks on humans do happen, even though they are rare. When you visit a reserve, zoo, or other facilities where you can see these bears, remember that you are entering their home.
If you cross barriers or fencing to get a closer look, the panda will have no choice but to defend itself.
Watch Out For Signals of Aggression
Pandas give physical signals before they attempt to harm another animal. If you are in the area when they do so, it’s best to leave immediately.
If it feels threatened, a panda first lowers its head and stares at the other animal. If you notice a panda lowering its head while staring at you, the panda is attempting to tell you that it is preparing to attack. Time to get out of there!
Pandas may also wave their paws aggressively if they feel threatened. Although a panda might not initially aim these punches at the threat directly, if the other animal does not back off, it will eventually throw itself forward and launch an attack.
Likewise, pandas may make barking or groaning sounds when preparing to strike. This sound will ideally scare off predators and other pandas in the wild before a fight becomes necessary.
Final Thoughts
Even though they may be more peaceful and solitary than most other bears, pandas are still bears and will attack you if they feel threatened.
The best way to keep a panda bear from attacking you is to respect their space. Don’t try to pet, tease, harm, or intimidate a panda. Even if you are just messing around, a panda bear won’t know your intent and will do whatever it takes to get rid of you. That includes killing you.
