A skier learned the hard way why you don’t take selfies with apex predators in the wild.
In a video currently tearing across social media, a snow leopard lunges at a skier who moved within ten feet of the cat to snap a photo. In one clip, the tourist lies motionless in the snow as the leopard sits calmly just inches away. Another video shows bystanders helping the injured skier to her feet and ushering her to safety.
The incident, which occurred on a ski slope in Xinjiang, western China, left the woman hospitalized after the severe mauling, where she is reportedly in stable condition.
Snow leopards (Panthera uncia) are among the most elusive predators on Earth. Known as the “Ghost of the Mountains,” they occupy the high-altitude reaches of the Himalayas and the rugged peaks of Xinjiang, and are rarely seen by humans. Attacks are incredibly rare, but when a human encroaches on their territory, these powerful cats will defend themselves with blinding speed.
The species is currently fighting for its life, with only 4,000 to 6,500 individuals remaining in the wild. Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, the species faces ongoing threats from habitat loss, poaching, and increasing human activity in remote mountain regions. As “adventure tourism” expands, encounters like this are becoming more likely.
The takeaway is simple: nature isn’t a zoo. If you are lucky enough to spot a snow leopard in the wild, the smartest move is also the safest: keep your distance and let the ghost disappear.
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