Snow leopard captured after attacking skier, killing sheep in Xinjiang

A snow leopard that recently attacked a skiing tourist and livestock has been captured in Fuyun county, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, and transferred to a local wildlife rescue center, the county's forestry and grassland bureau said on Friday.

According to the bureau, the animal entered a herder's sheep pen in Koktokay town, a popular ski destination, on Wednesday, killing 35 sheep and injuring five others. This followed an earlier incident on Jan 23, in which a snow leopard bit a skier in a roadside wooded area of the same region as she was returning to her hotel.

To prevent further harm to people or animals, the bureau acted under regional wildlife protection regulations. A trap was set in the sheep pen based on snow leopard behavior, and the animal was captured around 9 am on Thursday.

A preliminary examination confirmed it was the same snow leopard involved in both attacks. Experts estimate the animal is a subadult about two years old, whose winter survival skills are still developing. Heavy snow in the mountains likely made hunting difficult, leading it to approach human settlements for food.

The snow leopard is currently in good health and will be released back into the wild after a scientific assessment, once the weather warms up, the bureau said.

The bureau reminded the public and tourists that wildlife may venture closer to human areas in winter when food is scarce. People should follow safety guidelines, keep a safe distance if encountering wild animals, and report sightings as soon as possible.