This is a suggestion to add a camera trap explore encounter!

The idea is specifically inspired by this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzTC1kkHcLA) of a leopard playing with a camera trap deployed in western Tanzania by Greater Mahale Ecosystem Research and Conservation (GMERC, main website here: https://gmerc.org/).

Camera traps are automated tools used by wildlife researchers, conservationists, national parks, and many other organizations to remotely understand the populations and behaviors of animals in their natural habitat. The only time humans are involved is during deployment (set-up, take-down, and SD card collection). The "trap" is harmless--the only thing captured is a photo or video!

Camera traps are motion-triggered, so whenever an animal crosses the camera's field of view, the camera will snap a photo or begin filming. When the camera turns on, it makes a whirring or clicking sound (often inaudible to humans) and may also show a little red "record" light...and sometimes the animals react in funny (but again harmless) ways! Some animals (like chimps, monkeys, and, of course, cats!) will peer directly into the camera lens, spend time sniffing or licking the box, or paw/claw at it as though it's a toy. Other animals (bovines and antelopes, for example) freeze up and stare into the camera for a few moments before shrugging it off and moving on. Still others (depending on the individual) may curiously creep up to the camera, dart back with caution, and then creep up again, totally unsure of what to do, and some clearly notice the camera trap but pay it no mind.

This explore encounter would be based on the variety of reactions seen in camera trap video captures. Here's one way I see it playing out:

Initially, your lion would stumble upon a camera trap (likely around a tree trunk) and be like, "Whoa, what a weird growth!" and be presented with three options.

[Whatever] --> "You ignore it and move on." Nothing happens.

[Why is it clicking?!] --> "You freeze up, but soon realize the thing isn't a threat. While you crouched in the bushes/grass, you found ___!" (small prey or beetles?)

[New toy!!!] --> "Giving in to your inner cub, you pounce on the little red light and paw at the funny-sounding box! It's not like anyone's watching, after all." (gain impression progress?)

If nothing else, enjoy the pink leopard video!