A 100 kg giant panda was found lying on a 20-meter-high tree branch in Zhouzhi County -- the southwest of Shaanxi Province.

Villagers from Houzhenzi Town of Zhouzhi County on Monday afternoon discovered a giant panda was resting in the tree near the town's western gate.

Staff of the nearest natural reserve subsequently paid a visit to the village in order to ensure the animal's safety.

According to the reserve's staff memberTao Qinghua, the panda is about 10 years old and weighs some 100 kg.

In regards to the reason behind the animal's tree climbing stint near a human's residence, Tao said, "Usually, three reasons may cause a giant panda to climb up a tree or get close to human beings: when it gets sick and needs rest or wants human help; after it has failed to mate; or when it's being chased by other animals."

Tao also said that to climb up a tree and actually remain there is a capability shared by all giant pandas. Consequently, there is no need to worry about the animal's safety.

However, to prevent the panda from being scared by humans, villagers and bystanders nearby the tree were asked to leave.

When this article was published, the giant panda was still lying on his tree branch.