An incident occurred in the Koktokay Scenic Area of Fuyun County, Xinjiang, China, where a tourist was bitten by a snow leopard. Local government authorities stated that the injured tourist is not in life-threatening condition and is receiving treatment.
Multiple netizens posted videos on the 23rd, saying that a skiing tourist was attacked on the face by a snow leopard in Koktokay, Xinjiang.
According to The Beijing News, videos circulating online show a snow leopard squatting near a tourist, while onlookers can be heard shouting: “Someone has been bitten,” “Call the police,” “Call 120.” In another video, a female tourist wearing a purple jacket and a black helmet is seen being helped up from the snow by several people. She is covering her face with her hand, and there are bloodstains on her clothing.
According to the WeChat public account “Fuyun Zero Distance,” the Fuyun County Forestry and Grassland Bureau as well as the Bureau of Culture, Sports, Radio, Television, and Tourism issued a notice the same evening, stating that the incident occurred in the Talat Village area of Koktokay Town, Fuyun County. At about 7 p.m. on Friday, while returning to her hotel, a skiing tourist was bitten by a snow leopard in the roadside forest belt. After calling the police, she was immediately sent to Fuyun County People's Hospital for treatment, and her condition is stable.
The notice stated that the Fuyun County Forestry and Grassland Bureau, Public Security Bureau, Koktokay Town, and other departments have increased safety patrols and public education in related areas, warning the public and tourists to observe safety tips, maintain distance from wild animals, and report incidents promptly.
The official WeChat account of Altay Tourism Development Group released news the same day, announcing snow leopard sightings in the Baoshigou area of Koktokay Scenic Area. The notice said that on January 17 and 21, infrared cameras in Baoshigou captured footage of the mysterious “King of the Snow Mountains”—the snow leopard. This area is along the main route to the Koktokay International Ski Resort. Tourists passing by are reminded not to get out of their vehicles or approach for photos, not to linger, and not to walk alone in the surrounding areas.
The snow leopard is a first-class nationally protected animal in China and its global population is scarce. In China, it mainly inhabits Xinjiang, Qinghai, Tibet, and other regions.