This is the moment a mysterious animal that turned out to be a curious red and white giant flying squirrel was seen after it broke into a house and bit through a gas hose, causing chaos.

The incident took place in Hubei, China, after a man found the red and white giant flying squirrel in his house at 1:30 am.

The animal had entered his house and decided to bite through the hose connecting up a gas canister, causing concern after the man smelt the leak and eventually discovered the culprit.

After ensuring the immediate area was safe, he carefully captured the squirrel and took it outside before releasing it back into the wild, according to local media.

He said that he would give it something to eat and drink if it came back.

The red and white giant flying squirrel (Petaurista alborufus) is known for its wide distribution and typically feeds on wild fruits and nuts.