Giant pandas are fond of drinking water and playing in it. In the wild, they prefer to drink flowing water, such as from streams or springs. When the water freezes, pandas will use their front paws to break through the ice; if the water is shallow, they may dig a small pit to drink from. Sometimes, giant pandas drink too much water, which causes their bellies to swell like drums, making them walk unsteadily like “drunken men.” This phenomenon is colloquially referred to as “drunken water” behavior.
Especially in the summer, giant pandas enjoy soaking their feet in shallow streams or sitting down to groom their fur while relaxing in the water. They can also use their front limbs to splash water onto themselves.
Giant pandas are skilled swimmers. When the weather is hot, they readily wade into rivers, play in the water, and swim. They can swim long distances in deep water, which serves as a primary means for them to migrate in complex environments. This ability to swim helps them navigate their natural habitats effectively, allowing them to find food, explore new areas, and evade potential threats.
