The forefoot has an unusual modification, thought to aid in the grasping of bamboo stems. The giant panda is found in montane forests with dense stands of bamboo. Its usual elevational range is 2,700-3,900 meters, but it may descend to as low as 800 meters in the winter. It does not make a permanent den, but takes shelter in hollow trees, rock crevices, and caves. It lives mainly on the ground but evidently can climb trees well.
Activity is largely crepuscular and nocturnal.
Schaller et al. The diet consists mainly of bamboo shoots, up to 13 mm in diameter, and bamboo roots. Ailuropoda spends 10-12 hours a day feeding, usually in a sitting position with the forepaws free to manipulate the bamboo. Other plants, such as gentians, irises, crocuses, and tufted grasses, are also taken. Ailuropoda occasionally hunts for fish, pikas, and small rodents.