Rare wild cats have been appearing more frequently in the mountains and canyons near Almaty, and videos of these encounters quickly go viral on social media. Kursiv.media has compiled the most recent footage that has surprised and delighted users online.
On Jan. 29, residents of Almaty spotted a snow leopard while driving toward Big Almaty Lake. In a video sent to Kursiv.media, the predator is seen calmly descending a slope near the Ayusay Visitor Center, as if strolling through its territory.
Tourists also spotted a snow leopard in the same area the other day. For such a cautious animal, daytime activity is extremely rare. It is unclear whether it was the same leopard or a different individual.
Another notable video was filmed in Charyn Canyon, where tourists encountered a mother Pallas’s cat with her kitten. The footage shows the adult cat first looking around to make sure no humans are nearby. She then signals, and the kitten emerges from behind the rocks. Such scenes are extremely rare in the wild.
The Pallas’s cat is a wild steppe species known for its very thick fur and distinctive «angry» facial expression. It inhabits mountainous and steppe regions of Central Asia, leads a secretive lifestyle and is rarely seen by humans.
Like the snow leopard, the Pallas’s cat is protected by the state in Kazakhstan. According to wildlife specialists, such encounters with rare animals are a positive sign, indicating that the natural balance in these areas is being preserved and that the animals feel relatively safe.
However, experts warn against approaching wild animals, making noise, or trying to take selfies with them. Instead, people are advised to observe quietly from a distance and allow the animals to continue on their way.
