Imagine thinking your camouflage outfit is top-notch for keeping you hidden, only to be outdone by the sheer invisibility of a snow leopard in a photograph.

Unlike covert film characters relying on camouflage jackets, baseball caps, sunglasses, or strategically placed newspapers, this snow leopard achieves near-invisibility without any such props. For those attempting to spy on someone discreetly, there’s a lesson or two to learn from this remarkably well-hidden creature—if only you can find it.

The photograph captures a rocky landscape, adorned with lingering patches of snow, and within this seemingly ordinary scene, the snow leopard lurks, almost blending seamlessly into its surroundings. Unlike the traditional orangey-brown hue with black spots that characterize leopards, this elusive predator defies expectations.

Given its moniker, one might assume a snow leopard to be predominantly white, suggesting it might be concealed in the snowy portions of the photo. However, the reality is more nuanced. While these majestic creatures are generally lighter in color compared to their regular leopard counterparts, many still exhibit subtle tinges of brown in their fur.

Navigating a landscape dominated by light brown rock and sporadic snow patches creates an environment where the snow leopard’s natural coloring serves as remarkably effective camouflage.

The image has evolved into a challenge for internet users since its sharing on Reddit, prompting the poster to invite people to participate in the quest to “Spot the snow leopard and the time it took u [sic] to spot.” The difficulty in spotting the hidden predator has turned the photograph into an engaging visual puzzle.

I’m not going to lie, I spent 15 minutes staring at the photo before writing this article, and I simply could not find the snow leopard.

Photographer Saurabh Desai said:

“I was on my search of the world’s most elusive cat which is also known as ‘Grey Ghost’ in the popular local language,”

“The picture depicts the snow leopard trying to get off the cliff.”

“But observing our presence, it decided to wait until it got really dark and it stayed there on the edge.”