Shawn + Stephanie Snow Leopard
Equipped with big, furry paws for hunting in the mountains


In summer these large cats live alone above the treetops in the mountainous meadows and rocky regions of central Asia. In winter, they come down into the forests where it’s a little warmer and find dens in rocky caves and crevices. They pretty much eat whatever they can find and can take down animals three times their size—even livestock! Snow leopards have long wooly fur with numerous rosettes on their flanks, spots on their head and neck, and stripes on their tails. Their big furry feet act like snowshoes so they can climb easily over icy rocks. In spring, a female snow leopard lines her lair with her own fur before she gives birth to her litter—which can have from 2 to 7 cubs. This way the babies stay nice and warm. There are approximately 6,000 snow leopards left in the entire world.





