ALthough cubs are usually weaned at about nine months of age, they remain with their mothers for up to 18 months. Except for females accompanied by cubs, giant pandas live a solitary existence. During the breeding season, several males may compete for access to a female. Home ranges of females are usually mutually exclusive, although they overlap occasionally, while the home range of each male may overlap those of several females. They also scratch trees.
Most territorial marking is thought to be done by males.
In captivity, females vocalize during estrus as well. Although the proportion is small, pandas also feed to a limited degree on other plants and a small amount of meat. They feed mainly on the ground but are capable of climbing trees as well. They are active mainly at twilight and at night.