A wild Indian bison, or gaur, that had fallen into a trench in south India was rescued by forest officials who were able to dig it free using an earthmover.

The incident took place at Coonoor in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu on February 28.

According to forest officials, the bison had fallen into the water-filled trench at around 11:00am while trying to drink from it.

The bison was spotted by a few local farmers who later alerted the officials.

A rescue team rushed to the spot immediately and used a crane to dig a cavern creating a track for the exhausted animal to walk out, letting it return to the forest.

A video obtained from the forest officials shows the rescue of a wild Bison who had fallen into a trench in South India.

The incident took place at Coonoor in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu on February 28, 2020.

According to forest officials, around 11 AM the Bison had fallen into the trench in attempts of drinking water.

The Bison was spotted by a few local farmers who later alerted the officials.

A rescue team rushed to the spot immediately and used a crane to dig a cavern creating a track for the animal to walk out.

Following this, the Bison was released in the forest.