Skier Attacked by Snow Leopard ‘While Taking Selfie’ (Video)

A terrifying wildlife encounter unfolded in China after a skier was brutally attacked by a snow leopard while attempting to take a selfie with the rare predator.

The incident happened Friday at the Keketuohai UNESCO Global Geopark in northwest China, where witnesses say the woman moved closer to the animal to get a better photo — despite posted warnings to stay at least 10 feet away.

Video from the scene shows the skier lying face down in the snow as the snow leopard straddles her head, scanning the area. Moments later, a ski instructor rushed in and waved his poles, startling the animal and forcing it to flee.

As bystanders helped the woman to her feet, she clutched her face while blood poured from her injuries. In the background, the leopard could later be seen lurking near a stand of trees as people cautiously moved away.

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Eyewitnesses said the snow leopard had been lying in the snow for about 10 minutes before suddenly charging at the skier, knocking her to the ground and biting her face. Authorities said the woman’s helmet likely saved her from even more serious injuries.

She was rushed to a nearby hospital and treated for severe facial wounds. Officials confirmed she is now in stable condition.

Local authorities reported that an unusual number of snow leopard sightings and tracks have been recorded in the area recently, likely due to heavy snowfall forcing the animals to descend from higher elevations in search of food.

In a statement, officials from Fuyun County said safety patrols have been increased and urged visitors to strictly follow wildlife safety guidelines.

China is home to roughly 60 percent of the world’s snow leopard population, according to the Snow Leopard Trust. Despite their size and power, attacks on humans are extremely rare, as snow leopards are typically shy and avoid people.