Snow leopard mauls skier in China after she gets too close for photos, chilling aftermath video surfaces online

A chilling video of a snow leopard attack on a tour in China has gone viral on social media, sparking renewed warnings from authorities about keeping a safe dance from wild animals.The woman was rushed to the hospital and is in stable condition. (X/@NatureChapter)According to a report CNN, a female skier was mauled a snow leopard after getting dangerously close to the rare big cat to take photographs in northwest China. The attack took place on Friday in Fuyun County, near China’s northern border with Mongolia.Chilling video captures aftermath of attackA video circulating online shows the woman lying motionless in the snow, with the snow leopard sitting near after the attack. In another clip, standers are seen helping the injured tour to her feet and leading her away as blood pours from her face beneath her ski helmet.At one point in the video, a voice is heard anxiously asking whether the leopard had left the area, to which someone responds: “It’s gone.” Further footage shows the animal moving through deep snow in a forested area.(Also Read: Chinese wife ordered to apologise after exposing husband’s long term affair in sarcastic post)Victim in stable conditionAccording to local forestry officials, the woman was rushed to the hospital and is in stable condition. Authorities said her ski helmet likely saved her from more serious or fatal injuries. A ski instructor eventually managed to chase the snow leopard away waving his ski poles, the New York Post reported.Officials said the tour had approached within about 10 feet of the animal after spotting it in the snow, despite repeated advisories warning visitors not to approach wildlife.The incident occurred near the Keketuohai UNESCO Global Geopark, where authorities have recently issued alerts following multiple snow leopard sightings. A guesthouse owner in the area reportedly said a snow leopard had been seen near the property a day before the attack, apparently searching for food, though it remains unclear whether it was the same animal involved in the incident.(Also Read: Chinese father travels 900 km to open food stall near daughter’s university for a ‘taste of home’)Officials issue warning after attackIn an online notice issued after the attack, the local forestry bureau urged tours and residents to strictly follow safety guidelines. “The general public and tours are urged to maintain a safe dance when encountering wild animals, and report to the police immediately to ensure personal safety,” it said.A separate warning stressed that snow leopards are powerful predators. “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,” the advisory said.