This is the tense moment a wild tiger squared off with park rangers in Thailand.

The officers were patrolling the forest when they encountered the beast at the Thung Yai Naresuan East Wildlife Sanctuary in Tak province on May 16.

The wary predator appeared to gauge the park rangers before emitting a fierce roar, scaring them off.

Tigers are protected animals under Thailand's Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act. They are also listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and are included in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

There are approximately 148 to 189 mature tigers in Thailand, with signs that the population is increasing in Thailand's Western Forest Complex.