A curious snow leopard attempted to remove a camera trap.

The wildcat was caught on camera pawing at the device it noticed placed in the Arshaty forestry area of Kazakhstan's Katon-Karagay National Park.

Footage shows the feline approaching the camera and striking the gadget several times, as if trying to adjust its angle, on December 26.

It can be seen inspecting it closely before rubbing and scratching against it, possibly to mark it as part of its territory.

Another clip shows the snow leopard glaring at the camera in the dark during a snowstorm on January 9.

Moments later, it circles behind the device but does not appear to interfere with it.

The Forestry and Wildlife Committee suggested that 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 km (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.