A rare snow leopard attacked and mauled a skier in China's Xinjiang region after the tourist approached the animal for a photo, resulting in facial injuries. The incident occurred in Koktokay town, where the tourist was bitten while attempting to get close to the elusive big cat. Video footage shows the injured tourist being helped away, clutching her face beneath a ski helmet, and being transported to the hospital in stable condition. Authorities have increased safety patrols and issued warnings urging tourists to maintain safe distances from wild animals and follow safety guidelines. Snow leopards, native to Central and South Asia, are a protected species with only an estimated 4,000 to 6,500 remaining worldwide, primarily in China, which hosts about 60% of their population. These animals are typically shy and rarely attack humans, with most sightings involving livestock predation. The recent attack is considered highly unusual, prompting local officials to warn visitors about the dangers of approaching wild snow leopards, especially during cold weather when they may struggle to find food. Sightings of multiple snow leopards in the area have increased public concern. Another incident involved a snow leopard attacking a ski tourist returning to her hotel in Fuyun County, where she was bitten and sustained facial injuries but was saved from more severe harm by her helmet. She was also hospitalized and remains in stable condition. Authorities have emphasized the importance of following safety protocols and reporting any wild animal sightings to prevent further incidents.