A skiing tourist has sustained serious injuries after being attacked by a snow leopard in northern China, following a reckless attempt to take a selfie with the rare and protected animal. The alarming incident occurred in the Talat village area of the Keketuohai UNESCO Global Geopark, within Funyun County, at approximately 7pm on Friday evening.
Dangerous Encounter Captured on Video
Disturbing video footage from the scene shows the tourist trapped underneath the powerful snow leopard in deep snow, before being helped away by others while clutching her face, which was pouring with blood. The attack unfolded as the skier, on her way back to her hotel, moved perilously close to the wild beast in a bid to capture a photograph.
Ignored Warnings Lead to Mauling
Local authorities had issued explicit warnings the previous day after the snow leopard was sighted in the vicinity. Despite these alerts, the tourist reportedly edged within 10 feet of the animal, dissatisfied with her initial photo angle. The snow leopard subsequently pounced, mauling the woman's face before a ski instructor intervened, waving his poles to chase the predator away.
The skier's helmet is credited with preventing more catastrophic injuries. She was transported to a local hospital for urgent treatment and remains in a stable condition. The snow leopard involved had been spotted by tourists near a hotel the day before, likely driven into the area by hunger.
Hotel Owner and Official Statements
The owner of a nearby hotel commented, "We saw it last night, a few kilometres from where the attack took place, but we can't confirm if it's the same snow leopard." Local officials reinforced their cautionary stance, stating: "Recently, snow leopard activity has been detected in Gem Valley, Keketuohai. Snow leopards are large predators with strong aggressive tendencies."
Their public advisory was unequivocal: "When passing through this area, please move quickly and do not linger. Do not get out of your vehicle or approach to take photos, and never walk alone in the surrounding area."
Rarity of Such Attacks
According to the Snow Leopard Trust, China hosts the world's largest population of wild snow leopards, accounting for roughly 60 per cent of the global total. Attacks on humans are exceptionally rare, as these majestic creatures are typically shy and elusive. Renowned American biologist and conservationist George Schaller has previously noted, "I don't know of a single case of a snow leopard that would attack and kill people."
The snow leopard is currently classified as a vulnerable species, with its habitat spanning 12 countries across Central Asia, including China, India, and Mongolia. An investigation into Friday's attack is currently ongoing.
