Known throughout the world for their beautiful fur and elusive behavior, the endangered Snow Leopard is found in the rugged mountains of Central Asia. This one is at the Como Zoo in St. Paul MN.

Snow Leopards are slightly smaller than most big cats. They get between 3 - 4 feet long and 2 feet high and they generally weigh between 80 to 121 pounds. They have very long tails which measure between 3 to 3.5 feet long. They use their tails for balance and as a blanket to cover and warm more sensitive areas.

These cats are insulated by thick hair and their wide fur covered feet act as natural snowshoes that keep their feet from sinking into the snow. They have powerful legs and are tremendous leapers, able to jump as far as 30 to 50 feet in one leap.