II.

Physical Characteristics

The snow leopard has greenish-gray eyes and a stunning coat of long, smoky-gray to yellowish-white fur with black spots and rosettes, or rose-shaped patterns. The markings provide camouflage against rocky slopes, which helps the snow leopard remain unseen while hunting prey. The soft undercoat is usually white with hair that can grow up to 12 cm (5 in) long. The head is broad with a short muzzle, and the ears are small and rounded to protect against the cold. Short front legs and large paws are well adapted to walking on snow. A powerful chest and long hind legs allow the cat to leap up to six times its body length.

An adult snow leopard weighs between 35 and 55 kg (between 77 and 121 lb) and stands about 60 cm (about 24 in) at the shoulder. Body length averages 1 to 1.3 m (3 to 4 ft). Males are about 30 percent larger than females. The thick, furry tail is almost as long as the body—proportionately longer than that of any other cat—measuring up to 1 m (3.3 ft). It is used for balancing while traversing difficult terrain and for warmth while resting or sleeping during the cold winter months.