Tourist skier mauled after approaching snow leopard for photos in northwest China

A tourist skier in northwest China was seriously injured this week after a rare snow leopard attacked her when she got too close to take a photograph of the wild animal, authorities said. The incident, which was captured in viral footage and has drawn attention to the risks of wildlife encounters, occurred near a popular ski destination amid renewed safety warnings from local officials.

On January 23, 2026, a woman skiing near Koktokay Township in Fuyun County, located in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of northwest China, encountered a snow leopard while returning to her hotel.

The tourist reportedly got out of her vehicle and approached the animal to photograph it, despite warnings issued by local authorities about recent snow leopard sightings. When she moved to within roughly 10 feet (about 3 meters) of the big cat, the animal suddenly pounced and mauled her, primarily biting her face and head.



Bystanders and a ski instructor intervened, using ski poles and other tactics to drive the snow leopard away from the victim, allowing them to pull her to safety. The woman was then transported to Fuyun County People’s Hospital, where she was reported to be in stable condition following treatment for her injuries.

Authorities confirmed that her ski helmet likely prevented more serious harm.

Wildlife behavior and safety warnings

Snow leopards (Panthera uncia) are among the most elusive and rarely seen big cats in the world, typically avoiding human contact. They inhabit rugged mountain regions across Central and South Asia, with China home to an estimated 60% of the global wild population, which wildlife groups estimate at between 4,000 and 6,500 individuals.

Despite their shy nature, they are powerful predators, capable of inflicting serious harm if they feel threatened or provoked. In the days before the incident, local forestry and grassland authorities had issued explicit safety advisories urging residents and visitors not to approach snow leopards, remain inside vehicles, and avoid lingering near sightings.

In response to the attack, officials have increased safety patrols in the Keketuohai UNESCO Global Geopark area and intensified efforts to educate tourists about maintaining safe distances from wildlife.