Amid the current coronavirus pandemic one in five humans are under lockdown, driving less cars and producing less pollution and the earth seems to be breathing a sigh of relief.
Our beautiful wildlife forced into hiding for fear of humans, are coming out to play and venturing places they would normally fear.
Yosemite National Park in California recently reported a boom in their black bear numbers and nature lovers in India were rejoicing at seeing the peaks of the Himalayas for the first time in decades thanks to a reduction in pollution.
Now the beautiful snow leopard is sensing the human coast is clear and emerging to the grateful eye of nature spotters.
These amazing creatures were spotted on the Karakoram mountain range which borders India, Pakistan and China.
The White Lion Foundation, which posted the footage on Twitter, said this was a rare sighting as snow leopards were skillful at avoiding people and prefer a solitary life.
Biologist Aleksey Kuzhlekov also shared a photo on Facebook which captured one of these beautiful creatures in Sailugem National Park, in Russia. Thanks to the absence of tourists, the female was seen for about 30 seconds.
Snow leopards are found in 12 countries including China, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Russia, and Mongolia but according to the World Wildlife Fund their numbers are dropping.
Its powerful build allows it to climb steep slopes and its long tail offers much-needed protection from the cold.
We must all learn to appreciate nature and value what’s around us. Please share these striking images with your friends and family.
