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A snow leopard in China recently mauled a tourist who tried to get close enough to snap a photo of the rare animal.<\/p>\n
China\u2019s Forestry and Grassland Bureau said the tourist, who is a skier, was bitten on Friday, Jan. 23, in Koktokay town in China\u2019s Xinjiang region, while returning to her hotel, CNN reported.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe general public and tourists are urged to strictly abide by the safety guidelines, maintain a safe distance when encountering wild animals, and report to the police immediately to ensure personal safety,\u201d the forestry bureau said.<\/p>\n
1<\/span> of 49<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Every year, USA TODAY Network photojournalists find beauty in wildlife within their local communities. Their visuals are both stunning and informative, allowing viewers an up-close look into the natural world, the challenges facing us and the humans who are attempting to conserve life on Earth. See USA TODAY’S Pictures of the Year 2025, beginning here More animal attacks: <\/strong>An ‘attack squirrel’ has injured multiple people in California<\/span><\/p>\n Chinese broadcaster CCTV said the tourist spotted the snow leopard, got out of her car, and approached it to try to take photos before being attacked. According to CNN, the tourist was taken to a local hospital, where she remains in stable condition.<\/p>\n Video obtained by USA TODAY shows the chaotic moments following the tourists’ mauling. In some clips, the snow leopard is seen standing over the mauled woman. After the snow leopard leaves the scene, fellow tourists appear to help the injured skier walk away.<\/p>\n Snow leopards are among the most elusive creatures in the wild and have been afforded \u201cfirst-class protection\u201d in China after suffering from poaching, habitat loss and the effects of climate change throughout South and Central Asia, according to the Chinese magazine Sixth Tone.<\/p>\n According to the Snow Leopard Trust, there are between 3,900 and 6,400 snow leopards left in the world, spread out in a range of 2 million square kilometers. The animals are usually solitary and highly active; however, they are not known to be aggressive to humans.<\/p>\n Their thick white-gray coat blends into its surroundings as these leopards live on high and rocky mountains, the Snow Leopard Trust said.<\/p>\n
with a moorhen, framed by a rainbow reflected in the water, feeding at John Yarbrough Linear Park in Fort Myers, Fla., Sept. 22, 2025.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nHow many snow leopards are left in the world?<\/h2>\n