A female skier was brutally mauled by a snow leopard on Friday after she got too close to the predator for a photo, according to horrifying footage of the incident.
The encounter, which left the woman’s face badly bloodied, took place around 7 p.m. in Fuyun County, along China’s northern border with Mongolia, according to Jam Press.
Footage shows a woman, who reportedly came within 10 feet of the leopard, lying motionless in the snow as the predator hovered nearby after the mauling. Witnesses then appeared to help lead her away as blood poured from her face.
Local reports noted that the woman miraculously survived, in part because her helmet helped prevent more serious damage.
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A snow leopard remains near an injured skier lying in the snow after a mauling in Fuyun County, China, on January 23, 2026. The woman was later rescued and hospitalized. (Jam-press)
According to Jam Press, authorities previously issued warnings after several people reported animal sightings near the hotel the day before. It was believed that the leopard was wandering in the area due to a lack of food.
Reports indicated that a skier spotted the leopard while on his way to the hotel. When she couldn’t get a good angle for a photo, she reportedly kept approaching until the leopard attacked and mauled her face. The predator was eventually driven off by a ski instructor waving his poles.
The injured skier was transported to a local hospital for treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.
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Skiers help a woman after she was mauled by a snow leopard in Fuyun County, China on January 23, 2026. (Jam-press)
In the days leading up to the attack, authorities had warned visitors of multiple snow leopard sightings in the area. Although human snow leopard attacks have historically been rare due to the animals’ shy and elusive nature, officials noted that the big cats still possess “aggressive tendencies” and urged tourists not to linger or approach them for photos.
“Recently, snow leopard activity has been observed in Gem Valley, Keketuohai,” the alert said, according to Jam Press. “Snow leopards are large predators with strong aggressive tendencies. If you pass through this area, move quickly and do not linger. Do not get out of your vehicle or approach to take photos, and never walk alone in the area.”
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A snow leopard is seen wandering through deep snow near a ski resort in Fuyun County, China on January 23, 2026. (Jam-press)
Tourists staying at a nearby guesthouse confirmed seeing a leopard in the area before the attack, the newspaper said.
“We saw it last night, a few kilometers from where the attack took place, but we cannot confirm if it is the same snow leopard,” said a witness.
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According to the Chinese newspaper, China is home to the largest population of wild snow leopards in the world Snow leopard trustwith the country hosting the majority of the world’s population.
The investigation into the attack is ongoing.
