A female skier was recently injured in a snow leopard attack while vacationing near the northern Chinese border with Mongolia. The incident occurred in Fuyun County, where the skier approached the rare big cat to capture a photograph, getting within approximately ten feet of it. Chilling footage emerged showing the victim lying in the snow, clad in a purple ski suit, as blood flowed from her injuries.
According to reports, the skier was rescued from more severe wounds thanks to her ski helmet. After the attack, a ski instructor courageously intervened by scaring off the snow leopard with ski poles. The woman was promptly taken to a local hospital and was subsequently reported to be in stable condition.
In response to multiple recent snow leopard sightings in the area, Chinese authorities issued a warning to visitors. They advised tourists to avoid lingering in the region, refrain from approaching wildlife for photographs, and to avoid traveling alone. The warning emphasized that snow leopards are large predators with inherently aggressive behaviors.
Notably, the skier had been visiting the area near the Keketuohai UNESCO Global Geopark in Xinjiang. Just a day earlier, another snow leopard had been spotted near a guesthouse nearby, seeking food. The owner of the guesthouse remarked that they had observed the animal only a few kilometers from the site of the attack, though it remains unconfirmed if it was the same leopard.
China is known to hold approximately 60% of the global snow leopard population, with estimates suggesting there are only between 4,000 and 6,500 of these majestic creatures left in the wild. While attacks on humans by snow leopards are exceedingly rare due to their naturally shy demeanor, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting wildlife and maintaining a safe distance.
The prompt response by fellow skiers and authorities showcases the community’s courage and vigilance in such unexpected situations.