A snow leopard has left a tourist at a popular Xinjiang ski destination who wanted to take close-up photos of the animal with severe wounds to her face, according to local media reports on Saturday (Jan 24).

A female skier has been mauled by a snow leopard on her way back to her hotel in China after she attempted to get a selfie.

China.com reported that earlier snow leopard sightings in the Baoshigou area on Jan 17 and 21 had led the authorities to advise tourists to remain in vehicles, avoid approaching the animals and not walk alone. The area lies along the main route to the Koktokay International Ski Resort.