The snow leopard is honored as the "king of snow mountains" in Asia. Distributed in alpine and subalpine zones, it is the top predator who feeds on large prey including bharal, argali and Siberian ibex. However, the big cat is also known for being shy and timid. It is often the first one to retreat during a confrontation. 

A herdsman in Yushu, Qinghai province in northwestern China, recorded a rare scene: a snow leopard against five shepherd dogs. The snow leopard was stalking sheep, but was spotted by the guarding dogs. Crawling and groveling, the snow leopard apparently was looking for a chance to attack. But it was not strong enough to fight five rivals. At last, the snow leopard fled without its meal. 

If this one was defeated because it was outnumbered, the other two snow leopards also living in Sanjiangyuan National Park, Qinghai Province did not have this excuse. In another clip taken in that area, two snow leopards had an encounter with a white-lipped deer, which usually falls prey to big cats. 

A forest ranger in Yushu recorded the "battle between national treasures." As both species are under first-class national protection, the ranger was worried the deer might be killed by the snow leopards. Surprisingly, after a long confrontation, it was the deer who attacked first. Scared by the deer's strong build, the first snow leopard gave in. The deer went on and challenged the second snow leopard, who retreated too. 

According to the forest ranger who witnessed the rare scene, this was the first time they recorded the confrontation between white-lipped deer and a snow leopard. 

Both footage were taken in Sanjiangyuan National Park in Qinghai province, northwestern China. As the local environment improves, the area is home to more than 230 wildlife species, including over 20 species under national protection. 

(Cover image via VCG)

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