What is International Snow Leopard Day?
International Snow Leopard Day, October 23rd, honors this endangered species. It's also a day to learn more about the snow leopard and how to protect this elusive creature.
These big cats are more closely related to a tiger than a leopard, although they are often referred to a tiger than a leopard. Snow leopards live in alpine areas that are 18,000 feet in elevation, mainly in the Himalayas. The most snow leopards in China and Mongolia are found in China and Mongolia. They also live in Nepal, India, Pakistan, and Russia.
These cats are known as snow leopards because they are adapted well to the snow and cold. Their wide fur-covered feet act as natural snowshoes. Since people rarely see snow leopards in the mountains, they are often referred to as "ghosts of the mountains." One reason for this is that they usually only appear out at dusk and dawn when it's still dark. Snow leopards are also well camouflaged, making them difficult to detect.
