Female pandas are typically fertile for only about 1 to 3 days per year. This short window of fertility occurs during the spring season and is known as the estrus or mating season. During this time, female pandas release hormones signaling their readiness to reproduce, and males compete for their attention in order to mate and ensure successful reproduction. The limited fertility period adds to the challenges of panda breeding and conservation efforts, as successful mating and reproduction must occur within this brief timeframe.