Watch This Panda Do Somersaults in the Snow — and Then Find Out Why

In a nutshell, pandas are cute, clumsy, and playful. In the snow, they’re even more boisterous and outgoing. Their childlike behavior is endearing, but there’s a good reason why this panda is somersaulting through snow drifts.

Pandas and Winter Go Hand in Hand

Pandas do not hibernate like some other bear species and are adapted to withstand cold environments, including snow. The panda in this video thrives in chilly weather, and there’s a good reason behind its behavior. This animal is built for the season, from its thick fur to its size. In the wild, a panda’s coloring camouflages it the best in snowy environments. This allows the panda to travel virtually unseen in forests and snowy landscapes. The fearlessness that results brings out the best in pandas, including their playful side.

However, that’s not all a panda has going for it. Its black patches blend with dark forest floors, while the light patches blend into their wintery environment. This bear’s exceptionally thick coat also helps maintain heat, keeping it warm while it snows. And lastly, its chubby, round body provides an added layer of insulation and protects it from the elements.

A Product of Its Environment

Pandas are native to the high mountains of China. They often play in snow-covered zoo enclosures but exhibit the same playfulness in the wild. Somersaulting, seen in the video above, is one way that pandas express their love of winter weather. They’ll also climb trees, frolic, and play-fight with other bears when they get excited. Pandas can withstand temperatures as low as four degrees Fahrenheit, so snow days are never a problem.

Since pandas don’t hibernate, they adapt to winter in other ways. As temperatures drop, these bears migrate to higher altitudes for food. More snow provides better camouflage, which can help pandas remain less visible in their environment. They hunt while blending into snow-covered mountains and remain until it’s safe to migrate back down.

On a Lazy Roll

Pandas enjoy rolling around no matter the weather. While doing somersaults in the snow may be a ball, it turns out that rolling is part of their instinctive nature. First, pandas are naturally lazy animals. Over time, they have figured out that rolling down a hill is easier than walking. These bears often sit long enough for their muscles to fall asleep, and they get creative when switching positions. Finally, the shape of pandas contributes to their nonsensical movement. Their rotund bodies often throw them off balance, and their poor eyesight makes them somewhat clumsy. Both of these scenarios result in falls, which naturally turn into somersaults. Clearly, this special move is working for them — and us.