Despite 'No Approach' Warning... Tourist Mauled While Trying to Take Selfie with Rare Snow Leopard

Accident Occurs at Keketuohai UNESCO Global Geopark in Northern China
"Do Not Approach for Photos," Authorities Warn

In China, a tourist who was skiing was injured after being attacked while trying to take a selfie with a rare animal, the snow leopard.

According to British media outlet Daily Mail and others on January 26 (local time), a female tourist, identified as Ms. A, suffered serious injuries after being attacked by a wild snow leopard around 7 p.m. on January 23 inside Keketuohai UNESCO Global Geopark, located in Fuyun County, northern China.

Video footage of the incident shows Ms. A pinned beneath the snow leopard in deep snow, before being rescued by people nearby. She was also seen moving away while holding her face, which was bleeding.

An incident occurred in China where a tourist was attacked while trying to take a photo with a rare animal, the snow leopard. SNS

The accident occurred when Ms. A, on her way back to her hotel, spotted the snow leopard and approached dangerously close to take a photo. Despite authorities having issued a warning the previous day after a snow leopard was sighted in the area, Ms. A reportedly moved within about 3 meters of the animal, saying she could not get a good angle for the photo. As the snow leopard lunged at her, a ski instructor who witnessed the scene swung a ski pole to drive the animal away. Local authorities stated that Ms. A sustained facial injuries and was transported to the hospital for treatment, and that she is currently in stable condition.

The snow leopard had also been seen the day before the accident by hotel guests near a grassy area, and is believed to have come down in search of food. A hotel representative said, "We saw a snow leopard a few kilometers from the site of the attack, but we cannot confirm if it was the same individual."

Authorities noted that there have been several recent reports of snow leopard sightings in the geopark area and urged residents and tourists to exercise special caution. They warned, "Snow leopard activity has been detected recently in the Keketuohai Geopark area. When passing through the area, move quickly and do not linger. Do not get out of your vehicle or approach for photos, and avoid traveling alone in the vicinity."

However, experts explained that incidents of snow leopards attacking humans are rare. According to the Snow Leopard Trust, snow leopards are generally known to be shy and reclusive. American biologist and conservationist George Schaller has also stated in the past, "I do not know of a single case where a snow leopard attacked and killed a person."

Meanwhile, the snow leopard is currently classified as a globally vulnerable species, and China is home to about 60% of the world's wild snow leopard population. This species inhabits 12 countries across Central Asia, including China, India, and Mongolia.