Snow Leopards 101

What are snow leopards?

Snow leopards (or scientific name panthera uncia) are big cats native to the high mountains of Central Asia. They are known for their thick, smoky-gray fur with dark spots and rosettes for camouflage in their rocky habitats, their wide, snowshoe-like paws with fur on the undersides for traction on snow and ice, and their long tails for balance. Snow leopards are elusive, solitary animals, well adapted to survive in harsh, cold environments. They often spend time and are spotted alone unless it is a mother raising her cubs. They are carnivorous, and they are great hunters who are capable of taking down prey much larger than themselves. Unfortunately, snow leopards are a vulnerable or almost endangered species, facing threats from habitat loss, hunting, poaching, and climate change. For more information check out the links and websites below!

How big are snow leopards in comparison to their big cat cousins?

What are some facts fun facts about snow leopards?

• Snow leopards can weigh up to 165 pounds!
• Despite their name, snow leopards are actually more closely related to tigers, lions, and jaguars than they are to leopards. Woah!
• Snow leopards are masters of camouflage and disguise, earning them the moniker of "ghosts of the mountains".
• Unlike their big cat cousins, snow leopards cannot roar and instead opt to hiss, growl, yowl, or other noises.

Thanks for checking out this webpage and learning more about snow leopards!