A snow leopard attack left a female skier severely injured after she approached the rare predator for a photograph in northern China, underscoring repeated warnings from authorities about wildlife encounters. The incident occurred Friday evening in Fuyun County near China’s border with Mongolia, according to local reports and video footage.
Authorities said the skier moved within roughly 10 feet of the snow leopard while attempting to get a clear photo. Video shows the woman lying motionless in the snow with blood covering her face as the animal lingered nearby. Witnesses later helped guide her to safety after the leopard retreated. Local reports stated the woman survived in part because a helmet prevented more serious injuries.
The attack occurred around 7 p.m., after officials had already warned of multiple snow leopard sightings near the hotel area the day before. Reports indicated the animal had been lingering due to a lack of food. The skier reportedly continued to approach the animal after failing to get a good camera angle, prompting the leopard to pounce and maul her face. A ski instructor eventually drove the animal away by waving ski poles.
The injured woman was transported to a local hospital and listed in stable condition. Authorities reiterated earlier warnings, noting that while snow leopard attacks are rare, the animals still have “aggressive tendencies.”
A warning issued before the attack stated, “Snow leopards are large predators with strong aggressive tendencies… Do not get out of your vehicle or approach to take photos.” China hosts the world’s largest snow leopard population, making caution essential for visitors in remote regions.
