Here's why:
* Bamboo growth slows down in winter: Bamboo grows most actively in warm weather. During winter, its growth slows down significantly, making it harder to find fresh, nutritious shoots.
* Snow cover: In some areas, snow can cover the bamboo, making it even harder to find.
* Less nutritious: Even the bamboo that is available in winter is less nutritious than the fresh shoots found in spring and summer. This makes it harder for pandas to meet their energy needs.
What do pandas do in winter?
* Hibernate: While not true hibernation, pandas become less active in winter, conserving energy by sleeping more and moving less.
* Lower their metabolism: They reduce their metabolic rate, which helps them survive on the limited food available.
* Eat less: They eat less than they do in other seasons, relying on the fat reserves they built up during the warmer months.
Overall, winter is a challenging time for pandas, and their survival depends on their ability to find enough bamboo and conserve energy.