A skiing tourist in northern China has been left with serious facial injuries after a terrifying encounter with a rare snow leopard, which mauled her just moments after she took a chilling selfie with the wild predator.
Attack in UNESCO Geopark
The incident occurred at approximately 7pm on Friday in the Talat village area of the Keketuohai UNESCO Global Geopark, located in Funyun County. According to local reports, the skier was returning to her hotel when she spotted the snow leopard in the snow and decided to approach for a photograph.
Dangerous Proximity
Despite authorities having issued warnings the previous day after multiple snow leopard sightings in the area, the tourist moved within just 10 feet of the animal. Reports indicate she was attempting to get a better angle for her photograph when the leopard suddenly pounced.
The now-viral selfie image shows the woman smiling with the snow leopard crouched ominously behind her in the snow, appearing poised to attack. Subsequent video footage captured moments later shows the tourist trapped underneath the leopard in deep snow before being helped away by people, clutching her blood-covered face.
Rescue and Recovery
A ski instructor managed to chase the animal away by waving his poles at the predator. The skier was saved from more serious injuries by her protective helmet but was transported to a local hospital for treatment, where she remains in stable condition.
Previous Sightings and Warnings
The snow leopard had been spotted by other tourists staying at a hotel in the area the previous day, near a grassy area, likely due to hunger. The hotel owner 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 authorities had explicitly warned citizens about increased snow leopard activity in the Geopark, stating: 'Recently, snow leopard activity has been detected in Gem Valley, Keketuohai. Snow leopards are large predators with strong aggressive tendencies. 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
China is home to the highest number of wild snow leopards in the world, according to the Snow Leopard Trust, with approximately 60 percent of the global population. However, attacks on humans are considered exceptionally rare as these animals are typically shy and elusive.
American biologist and conservationist George Schaller has previously noted on the subject: 'I don't know of a single case of a snow leopard that would attack and kill people.' The species, currently classified as vulnerable, inhabits 12 countries across Central Asia, including China, India, and Mongolia.
Ongoing Investigation
An investigation into the Friday attack is currently ongoing as authorities examine the circumstances surrounding this unusual and dangerous wildlife encounter.
