Police who were called to a break-in at a warehouse storing alcohol discovered an injured puma hiding inside.

The cougar was found in the “Charochelas” warehouse in Narciso Mendoza Street, in the Los Alamos neighbourhood of Tulancingo, the second-largest city in the Mexican state of Hidalgo, on 12th September.

Police believe it was probably being held privately and had escaped rather than moving into the city from the wild as it did not appear to know how to hunt, which is why it was hungry.

Employees raised the alarm about an intruder that was then revealed to be the puma when police arrived. It is unclear how the big cat was injured.

The capture was coordinated with the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (PROFEPA), Civil Protection, Fire Department, and personnel from the Nicolas Bravo Zoo.

The animal was sedated and after being captured, it was transferred to the zoo.

According to PROFEPA, the male puma is 1.5 years old, weighs 45 to 50 kilogrammes (100 to 110 lbs), and measures approximately 1.90 metres (6.2 feet) in length and 80 centimetres (2.62 feet) in height.

PROFEPA also said that though the puma had some injuries, it was still in good health.

The agency added: “His coat showed signs of dullness and lack of shine, but he had no parasites. Likewise, it was confirmed that he had all his teeth, including his fangs.”

A spokesperson for the agency, Claudia Dora Palacios Cid, also said: “Although it is unknown if any person had the puma in their possession, PROFEPA will take the necessary measures to guarantee its safety and wellbeing in addition to following the relevant legal procedures to determine its final destination in accordance with applicable regulations.”