R.G. Finney (Wyoming, B. 1941) "Snow Leopard and Her Cubs" Signed lower center. Original Acrylic painting on Masonite. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original which appeared on the Fleetwood Collector's Plate. Snow Leopards live high in the rugged, unforgiving mountains of Central Asia. These endangered cats have thick, luxuriant coats that keep them warm during the coldest weather, huge paws which allow for relatively easy travel over snow and long tails that provide the necessary balance to negotiate the rocky slopes, crevices and snow-covered surfaces of their habitat. Rarest of all big cats, Snow Leopards are shy, elusive animals and as a result little was known of their habits until recently. These snow cats, as they are sometimes called, live a solitary life, mixing with their own only to mate. Perhaps because of the harsh conditions of their environment, Snow Leopards are the only cats which have a specific breeding season. Mating occurs in late winter. After a gestation period of roughly 100 days, two to four cubs are born just as spring arrives and the weather warms. Nocturnal hunters, Snow Leopards prey on wild goats, deer, boars and a variety of small mammals. Unfortunately, they also hunt domestic livestock, which brings them in direct conflict with man. Each year several of these beautiful cats are killed by shepherds protecting their herds, adding to the leopards' decline. In addition, some furriers actively seek the beautiful smoke-gray pelts of these regal animals, sometimes using the best parts of 12 different hides to make one coat. Such a coat brings nearly $60,000 on the black market. Image Size: 18 x 18 in. Overall Size: 18 x 18 in. Unframed. (B14425)