A Chinese tourist was bitten in the face by a snow leopard near a ski slope after trying to get close for a photo. Fortunately, she survived.
On 28 January 2026, a female tourist intending to ski was seriously attacked by a snow leopard after approaching too closely to take a photo with the animal in Fuyun County, located near China’s northern border with Mongolia.
The incident left the woman’s face covered in blood. Video footage shows her approaching to within about 10 feet of the snow leopard, which was lying still on the snow. After the attack, the snow leopard lingered nearby until a ski instructor arrived and used a ski pole to chase it away. The injured woman was then rushed to Fuyun County People's Hospital.
Local reports say the woman miraculously survived, partly because the helmet she was wearing helped prevent more severe injuries.
Authorities had previously issued warnings after multiple residents reported sightings of wild animals in the area, likely due to food shortages.