'Protected' Snow Leopard In China Mauls Tourist Who Was Trying To Take A 'Selfie' With It - Did She Survive?

A chilling video showing a skier being mauled by a wild snow leopard after reportedly approaching the animal to take a selfie has gone viral worldwide, prompting urgent questions about wildlife safety, social media risk-taking and whether the woman survived the attack.

The footage, widely shared across X, TikTok and Facebook, shows the rare big cat, considered a protected wildlife in China, lunging at the skier in a snow-covered area as onlookers scream in panic. The incident occurred last week at Keketuohai UNESCO Global Geopark, a popular winter tourism destination known for both skiing and protected wildlife habitats.

What Happened During the Snow Leopard Attack

According to local reports, the female skier was on the slopes when she noticed a snow leopard nearby. Witnesses say she moved closer to the animal, reportedly to take a photo or selfie, despite warnings that the species inhabits the region.

The snow leopard suddenly lunged, knocking her to the ground and mauling her head and upper body. The attack unfolded within seconds but was severe enough to leave the skier bleeding and motionless in the snow.

Graphic Video Sparks Shock Online

The viral video captures the leopard standing over the skier as others shout in fear. Several bystanders are seen backing away while a ski instructor and other resort staff rush towards the scene, waving ski poles and making loud noises to drive the animal off.

Social media platforms have flagged the clip as disturbing, yet it has continued to spread rapidly, fuelling global debate over the dangers of approaching wild animals for photographs.

Did the Skier Survive the Attack?

Yes. Authorities confirmed that the skier survived and was rushed to Fuyun County People's Hospital for treatment. Medical staff described her injuries as serious but stable, with no immediate threat to her life.

Doctors credited her ski helmet with significantly reducing the severity of head injuries, likely preventing a fatal outcome. No further details about her identity have been released.

Why Snow Leopard Attacks Are Extremely Rare

Snow leopards are considered elusive and typically avoid human contact. Conservation experts say they do not view people as prey, and documented attacks on humans are exceptionally uncommon.

Specialists believe the animal reacted defensively after feeling threatened by the close proximity. Unlike lions or tigers, snow leopards are not known for aggressive encounters with humans, making this incident highly unusual.

Warnings Were Already in Place

Local authorities had previously warned visitors about snow leopard sightings in the area. Keketuohai sits within a protected habitat where the endangered species roams freely, particularly during winter months when food sources shift.

Tourists are routinely advised to keep a safe distance from wildlife and avoid attempting photographs with animals, no matter how calm they may appear.

Public Reaction and Safety Concerns

Online reaction has been swift and polarised. Many users expressed relief that the skier survived, while others criticised what they described as reckless behaviour driven by selfie culture.

Wildlife experts have reiterated that no wild animal should be approached for photos, warning that even typically shy species can act unpredictably when stressed or cornered.

Official Response and Next Steps

Local officials are reviewing safety protocols at the ski area, including signage, crowd control and enforcement of wildlife distance rules. Authorities stressed that the snow leopard was acting naturally and defensively, and there are no reports that the animal was injured or captured following the incident.

The case has renewed calls for stronger wildlife safety education at tourist sites where human recreation overlaps with protected animal habitats.