Snow leopards are found in the mountains of Central Asia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Tibet, Russia, and the Himalayas. Generally found on steep, rocky slopes, at elevations of 9,800 feet and in the summer months their range increases to 18,000 feet. No other cat lives at these elevations.

Snow leopards range between 60 and 160 pounds. They are approximately 4 feet in length with a 3 foot tail.

Gestation period is 98 - 104 days. Females usually give birth to 2 - 3 cubs every other year. Infants are blind for the first 9 days of life. They remain with their mother for about 2 years.

Long thick fur provides warmth in the cold, snowy areas. Thick, well-cushioned paws act like snowshoes providing them with padding and allowing them to grip steep cliffs and snow covered cliffs. Their long tail helps them balance. They often wrap their 3 foot tail around their body to provide extra warmth.