Though Kush is one of the more sociable snow leopards, she is still a snow leopard, a species which is naturally shy. All it would have taken would have been one quick swipe and there goes my camera (and perhaps a finger).

This is her way of telling me that photo time is over.


---

Snow leopards are found in mountainous central Asia, also called "the roof of the world". They are acclimated for some of the harshest terrain and climate in the world and are extremely elusive. Sadly, snow leopards are not elusive enough to escape the hand of man. They are an endangered species and there may be as few as 3,000 left in the wild with populations decreasing. Individuals are often the victims of revenge killing after taking village livestock, poaching for their bones and skin, prey depletion and habitat loss.

Please visit http://www.snowleopard.org for more information on snow leopards and how you can help.