Thirsty leopard gets its head stuck in a pot in Indian mining village

The wild animal spent six hours trying to get the water pot off before being rescued by Indian forest officials

A leopard got itself in a tight spot when it accidentally got its head stuck in a water pot in an Indian mining village.

The feline was found in the unfortunate situation in Sardul Kheda, in the north western state of Rajasthan.

It wandered around trapped for six hours as bystanders looked on, before forest officials eventually tranquilised the animal and sawed the pot off.

It was then taken to an enclosure a safe distance from the village.

District forest officer Kapil Chandrawal said: "It has been brought to a safe place.

"We have also called veterinarians to assess its health, which is in good condition. We have also tranquilised the animal."

There are believed to be between 12,000 and 14,000 leopards in India (AP)

Mr Chandrawal said the leopard was around three and a half years old.

Disruption to wild habitats have led to increasing numbers of wild animals straying into inhabited areas in search of food.

According to the BBC, a recent wildlife estimate puts the leopard population of India at between 12,000 and 14,000.