Two endangered wild hog badgers were rescued after falling into an abandoned well on the rubber farm.

The beast were heard grunting after two nights in the filthy pit in Trang province, southern Thailand, last Thursday (01/8) morning.

Land owner Pongpan Ounnuch, 57, was going to work when he heard the creatures in the 16ft deep hole. He also smelled their distinctive odour.

He said the hog badgers - classed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species - were trying to desperately dig their way out.

He said: "This area is inhabited by many rare animals because of its fertile soil and deep forest. I was not surprised by the appearance of them but it was a shock to see them in the well.

''Fortunately this well has been deserted for a long time and there's no water, otherwise the two hogs might be drowned because of the well's depth."

The locals made a catcher using long bamboo and a rope. Finally they were able to drag the hog badgers out. The creatures then ran away frightened by thecrowded human.

The hog badger, also known as the greater hog badger,is a protected species in Thailand. They are native to Central and Southeast Asia but poaching has lead to a fall in their population.