Main points
- In China, a snow leopard attacked a tourist who was trying to take a selfie, but she was saved by a helmet and the intervention of a ski instructor.
- Local authorities had previously warned tourists about the danger of approaching snow leopards, which could descend closer to settlements due to hunger.
A woman was attacked by a snow leopard in China / Collage by Channel 24
A snow leopard attacked a female tourist in northern China when she tried to take a selfie with it.
She is currently in the hospital, the Daily Mail reports.
What is known about the leopard attack on the tourist?
The incident occurred in the UNESCO Geopark of Keketuohai. The skier, returning to her hotel, noticed a snow leopard. Despite warnings from authorities about the activity and danger of predators, the woman approached it to a distance of about three meters.
According to local media, she was trying to find a good angle for a selfie. This provoked the animal's aggression. The leopard attacked the tourist, pinning her to the snow.
The skier was protected from fatal injuries by her helmet. Further violence was prevented by a ski instructor who drove the beast away with sticks. The victim is currently in hospital, her condition is stable.
Snow leopard attacks tourist: video Daily Mail
It is worth noting that on the eve of the incident, local authorities and hotel owners officially warned tourists about the appearance of snow leopards in the Jem Valley. People were asked to stay in their vehicles, not to approach for photography, and never walk alone in these areas.
Predators probably descended closer to settlements due to hunger. Note that snow leopards have the status of a vulnerable species. China is home to 60% of the world's population of these cats. Experts note that attacks on humans are extremely rare. Snow leopards are usually shy and try to avoid contact with them.
The famous biologist George Schaller emphasized that killings of people by snow leopards are practically not recorded. However, in this case, the aggression was provoked by a critical violation of distance by a person.
The investigation into the circumstances of the attack is currently ongoing. Authorities are urging visitors to the geopark to follow safety rules and not linger in areas where predators may be active.
Animal attacks: similar cases
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In the Indian state of Jharkhand, an elephant has killed 22 people and injured 15 others in 10 days, attacking even in urban areas. The animal is in a state of mustang, which causes aggression due to high testosterone levels.
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Meanwhile, a leopard attacked an employee at the Odessa Zoo. Police shot the animal and opened criminal proceedings for violating safety rules while performing high-risk work.
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In addition, a shark attacked two tourists in the Egyptian resort of Marsa Alam, killing one and injuring the other. It is worth noting that the attack occurred outside the swimming area.