THE OUNCE.[23]
The Ounce, or “Snow Leopard,” as it is commonly called by sportsmen in the hills, is found throughout the Himalayas at a great elevation, never very much below the snows, at ranges varying with the season from 9,000 to 18,000 feet. It is said to be more common on the Tibetan side of the Himalayas; it is found also throughout the highland region of Central Asia, and extends as far west as Smyrna.
OUNCE.
OUNCE.
It is about the same size as the Leopard (four feet four inches long, excluding the tail), which it also resembles in habits; in fact, it may be looked upon as a Leopard specially adapted for a cold climate. The ground-colour of the skin is pale yellowish-grey, turning beneath to dingy yellowish-white. It is spotted in much the same way as the Leopard, though not so distinctly. “The fur throughout is very dense, and it has a well-marked, though short mane. The face is short and broad, and the forehead much more elevated than in any other Cat.”
The Ounce is said to frequent rocky ground, and to kill the Wild Sheep as well as Domestic Sheep, Goats, and Dogs; but it has never been known to attack man.