A snow leopard in China’s Xinjiang region recently attacked a tourist who approached it while attempting to capture a photograph. This incident occurred on January 23, as the skier was returning to her hotel in Koktokay town, according to reports from the Forestry and Grassland Bureau of China.
The bureau issued a reminder to the public and tourists about the importance of following safety guidelines when interacting with wild animals. They advised maintaining a safe distance and immediately reporting any dangerous encounters to local authorities to ensure personal safety.
Chinese state media, including CCTV, detailed how the tourist spotted the snow leopard, exited her vehicle, and approached the animal for photos before being bitten. After the attack, she was admitted to a local hospital and is currently in stable condition.
Dramatic videos shared by USA TODAY captured the aftermath of the incident, showing the snow leopard near the injured woman and fellow tourists assisting her as she navigated away from the scene.
Snow leopards are known for their elusive nature and are classified as a protected species in China due to threats from poaching, habitat loss, and climate change. Estimates from the Snow Leopard Trust indicate that there are between 3,900 and 6,400 of these magnificent animals remaining in the wild, distributed across a vast range in Asia. Typically solitary, snow leopards are not known for their aggressive behavior towards humans, a fact that underscores the need for respectful and cautious interaction with wildlife.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between human curiosity and wildlife safety, emphasizing the need for education and responsible behavior in natural habitats.