File photo of the reported snow leopard which attacked the livestock and was captured. Earlier, a skiing tourist was injured in a snow leopard attack while returning to a hotel in Fuyun county, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on January 23, 2026. Photo: Screenshot from media

A snow leopard has been safely captured and transferred to a local wildlife rescue center after attacking livestock in Fuyun county, Altay Prefecture, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, local authorities said on Friday. Earlier, the leopard had also reportedly attacked and injured a tourist.

According to a situation update released by the Fuyun county forestry and grassland bureau, the incident occurred in Talate village of Koktokay town, where the snow leopard broke into a herder's sheepfold on Wednesday, killing 35 sheep and injuring five others. The incident followed a recent case in which a skiing tourist was injured after being bitten by a snow leopard in the same area.

To prevent further injuries to people and livestock, the bureau organized professionals to formulate a response plan in accordance with relevant regulations and laws, according to the situation update. 

Based on the animal's behavioral patterns, a trapping cage was placed inside the sheepfold. On Thursday morning, the snow leopard returned to the site seeking food and was successfully captured before being safely transferred to the Fuyun county wildlife rescue center.

A preliminary examination by professionals determined that the captured snow leopard is the same individual involved in the earlier tourist injury. Experts identified the animal as a subadult snow leopard approximately two years old. According to expert analysis, snow leopards in this age group have relatively weak independent survival abilities during winter. Heavy snowfall in mountainous areas has made hunting difficult, driving the animal to approach areas of human activity in search of food.

Authorities said the snow leopard is currently in good health, with no injuries or illnesses detected. The rescue center plans to release the animal back into the wild at an appropriate time after weather conditions improve and following scientific assessment.

The local forestry and grassland authorities also reminded the public and tourists that wild animals face food shortages during winter and may appear more frequently in areas of human activity. People are advised to follow safety guidelines, keep a safe distance from wild animals, and report sightings promptly to ensure personal safety, the situation update said. 


Global Times