Rare Far Eastern leopard defies rain in Primorye National Park
A rare Far Eastern leopard was spotted on camera in Primorye National Park during a rainy morning. The sighting is unusual, as these elusive cats normally avoid wet weather. Experts believe the animal had pressing reasons to venture out despite the downpour.
Forecasters also predict changing conditions across the region this week, with warmer temperatures and clearer skies on the way for the weekend.
The camera trap captured the leopard moving through the park early on Friday. These animals usually stay sheltered when rain or snow falls, making the footage particularly notable. Wildlife specialists suggest the cat may have been driven by urgent needs, such as hunting or territorial matters.
Meanwhile, light to moderate rain is expected across southern Primorye on Friday. By Saturday, however, a ridge of high pressure from the Pacific will push in, bringing partly cloudy skies and dry conditions. Residents can look forward to comfortable spring weather over the weekend. In Vladivostok, temperatures on May 9 will climb to between +19°C and +23°C during the day. Overnight lows will dip to +8°C to +10°C, with no fog expected. The shift in weather marks a welcome change after the earlier wet spell.
The leopard’s appearance in the rain offers a rare glimpse into the behaviour of one of the world’s most endangered big cats. At the same time, the forecast promises drier and warmer days ahead for Primorye, with stable conditions lasting through the weekend.
