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In wild video, a skier near a resort in the Keketuohai Unesco Global Geopark, in northwest China is shown being mauled by a snow leopard. In gruesome video, the cat can be seen standing over the skier before being scared off by what some reports are saying was a ski instructor. The woman can later be seen walking away from the incident with blood streaming down her face.
According to reports, the skier ignored signs and the warning of authorities to stay away from the animals, which had been seen in the area at a higher frequency than normal in the last few weeks. She apparently got too close to the leopard for a selfie and was attacked.
Local Fuyun County authorities are said to have upped patrols because of the increase in sightings, and of course after the attack. Witnesses said the cat lurked around the area for 10 minutes or more before being agitated enough to attack the skier. The skier was wearing a helmet, which probably saved her, and was taken to a local hospital where she was reportedly in stable condition.
Keketuohai International Ski Resort lies within the UNESCO park boundaries in the Altai Mountains. Its summit is over 10,000 feet.
Skiers and snow leopards have had run-ins before, especially in places like Northern India, specifically Kashmir. The creatures are extremely agile and have created viral moments in the recent past because of their aggressive hunting tactics.
