Villagers in south India were shocked to hear a tiger growling near their village on February 15, and discovered a young tiger trapped in a metal snare.

The villagers, from Uyilatti near Kotagiri, Tamil Nadu, informed forest officials after finding the trapped animal. However, before the officers could reach the spot, the big cat had escaped.

Forest officials said the tiger managed to escape as it had been caught only in one leg.

An official added: "It is still in the area and we have sent a team with cameras and drones to monitor it and check if it is injured."

They have also charged the farmer who set the snare under Indian wildlife protection laws.

People of Uyilatti village near Kotagiri in Tamil Nadu in South India heard a tiger growling on February 15. When they searched they found a young tiger trapped in a metal snare .

Villagers, who saw the trapped animal, informed the officials. However, before the officials could reach the spot, the big cat had escaped.

Forest officials said the tiger managed to escape as it had been trapped only in a leg. "It is still in the area and have sent a team with cameras and drones to monitor it and check if it is injured," said an official.

They have also booked a local farmer Nanjundan under Indian wildlife act for laying the snare.