A bear that had fallen into a trench in southern India’s Tamil Nadu was rescued by forest officials.

The rescue operation was carried out on August 29 at Doddabetta Tea Park area in the Nilgiris.

On being alerted of the animal stranded, officials of the Nilgiris north range reached out and helped it out of the trench.

A video from the rescue operation shows officials lighting fire torches before attempting rescue to ward off the animal.

It can be seen pacing around the trench anxiously looking for a way out of the trench.

Officials wait for the perfect moment to drop down the ladder and run to one side to let the stranded animal out.

On seeing an opportunity, it briefly adjusts the ladder before climbing onto it and runs in the opposite direction to the forest officials.

A glad bear can later be seen climbing the staircase to its freedom.