In a rare and terrifying encounter on Friday, January 23, 2026, a female skier was mauled by a snow leopard in Fuyun County, northwest China, after she reportedly approached the predator to take a selfie.
The incident occurred near the Keketuohai UNESCO Global Geopark in the Xinjiang region. Despite repeated warnings from locals and officials about increased big cat activity in the area, the tourist allegedly moved within 10 feet (3 meters) of the animal before it pounced.
The Viral Video: A Chilling Record
Visuals circulating on social media provide a harrowing timeline of the attack:
- The Stand-off: The leopard is seen “watching over” the woman as she lies motionless in the snow immediately after the strike. Some reports suggest she “played dead” to avoid further provocation.
- The Rescue: A ski instructor eventually intervened, using his ski poles to ward off the leopard and drive it into a nearby forested area.
- The Aftermath: Bystanders are seen helping the dazed woman to her feet. Blood can be seen streaming from her face and neck, soaking into her ski suit and helmet.
Medical Update: The “Life-Saving” Helmet
The victim was rushed to the Fuyun County People’s Hospital with severe facial injuries.
- Current Status: As of Wednesday, January 28, she is reported to be in stable condition.
- Protective Gear: Medical staff noted that her ski helmet likely saved her life, as it absorbed the primary force of the leopard’s initial lunge and prevented deeper cranium punctures.
Authorities Strike Back with Warnings
The local Forestry and Grassland Bureau has since intensified patrols and issued a stern advisory:
- Elusive Predators: Snow leopards are notoriously shy; attacks on humans are virtually unheard of, making this incident a extreme anomaly caused by human provocation.
- The Safety Rule: “Do not get out of your vehicle, do not approach for photos, and do not linger. Move quickly through forest belts.”
- Food Scarcity: Wildlife experts believe recent heavy snowfall forced the animal down from higher altitudes in search of easy prey, making it more agitated than usual.