CHINA SELFIE, A ski tourist attempting to take a selfie with a snow leopard in the wilderness was mauled moments later, leaving her with serious facial injuries after the wild animal attacked.
The woman was injured in China’s northwestern Xinjiang region, where she had been holidaying. Local reports said the attack occurred in the Talat village area of the Keketuohai UNESCO Global Geopark in Funyun County on January 23.
The incident happened when the skier moved dangerously close to the animal while trying to take a photo on her way back to her hotel.
Images from the scene reportedly showed the woman smiling as the leopard crouched just behind her in the snow, appearing ready to pounce. Moments later, the animal attacked after the tourist approached too closely.
Video shared on Chinese social media showed the tourist trapped underneath the leopard in deep snow before being helped away by others while clutching her blood-covered face.
Authorities had issued warnings the previous day after the animal was sighted in the area, but the skier reportedly moved within about 10 feet of the leopard in an effort to capture a better photo.
The animal then pounced, injuring her face before a ski instructor managed to chase it away.
Local medics said the woman was protected from more severe injuries by the helmet she was wearing at the time of the attack. The unidentified tourist was reported to be in stable condition.
The attack occurred after a snow leopard was spotted by tourists staying at a nearby hotel the previous day.
The hotel owner said, “We saw it last night, a few kilometers from where the attack took place, but we can’t confirm if it’s the same snow leopard.”
Local authorities had warned visitors about the presence of snow leopards in the Geopark in recent days, stating that the animals are powerful predators and advising people not to approach them or stop to take photos.
Officials in Fuyun County said they have increased patrols, reinforced protective barriers, and intensified public awareness campaigns in and around the scenic area.
They urged visitors to strictly follow safety instructions, avoid approaching wild animals, and immediately report sightings.
China is home to the largest number of wild snow leopards in the world, according to the Snow Leopard Trust, with around 60 percent of the global population.
Attacks on humans are considered rare, as snow leopards are typically shy and elusive. Conservationist George Schaller has previously noted that fatal attacks on people are extremely uncommon.
Snow leopards are a protected species in China and are found across 12 countries in Central Asia, including China, India, and Mongolia.
