Abstract: Reports that a preliminary project on nursing behavior in 3 young snow leopards revealed 2 phases in suckling pattern: nonnutritive and nutritive. The latter was distinguished by stereotypic rhythmical movements of the ears associated with swallowing. The cubs also demonstrated a teat preference, but the adaptive significance of such preferences and the accompanying agonistic behavior were unclear. (27 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2000 APA, all rights reserved)(unassigned)