A curios snow leopard was filmed as it was eyeing up a camera trap and then struck it several times with its paw as if trying to remove it or adjust its angle.
The incident occurred in the Arshaty forestry area, in Kazakhstan’s Katon-Karagay National Park, as reported by the Forestry and Wildlife Committee.
Two separate videos captured different encounters with the device.
The first video, recorded on 26th December, 2024, shows the snow leopard appearing during daylight in a mountain landscape.
It curiously approaches the camera, inspecting it closely before rubbing and scratching against it, possibly to mark it as part of its territory.
@katonkaragay_nationalpark/ Clipzilla/NX
As it moves it around with its paw, it nearly removes the device from its spot and is seen repeatedly flicking it before the footage ends.
The second video, taken on 9th January (2025) captures the snow leopard in a snowstorm at night. The animal initially eyes the camera suspiciously before cautiously moving towards it.
After a brief hesitation, it circles behind the device but does not appear to interfere with it.
The committee suggested the snow leopard may have been reacting to the unfamiliar object in its environment.
Despite the interference, the device remained intact, providing rare close-up footage of the endangered species.
Camera traps are used to monitor rare animals, including the snow leopard, which is listed in Kazakhstan’s Red Book.
Kazakhstan’s snow leopard population is estimated at around 190 individuals.
Katon-Karagay National Park is the largest national park in Kazakhstan, covering over 6,400 square kilometres (2,471 square miles). It is home to diverse wildlife, including bears, lynxes, and rare bird species, making it a critical habitat for conservation efforts.
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Story By: Joseph Golder, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Newsflash
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