During the Siberian ibex count in the Sayano-Shushensky Biosphere Reserve, researchers and representatives of the Khakassia branch of the Russian Geographical Society encountered a female snow leopard with three cubs born in 2022. The expedition was accompanied by photographer Mikhail Vershinin, who managed to capture unique shots of the snow leopard family.

“When checking the trail cameras, we discovered relatively recent footage of a female snow leopard with her three cubs. We knew where they would go next, and decided to follow them,” said Roman Afanasyev, head of the research department.

The expedition was right, and the scientists were able to see four snow leopards at once, which calmly reacted to the camera and even posed for photos.