Terrifying footage shows tiger nearly biting woman’s hand off after she climbs zoo fence

That was a close call

The incident, which occurred at a New Jersey zoo, shows the woman making her way into the tiger enclosure to get closer to the big cat before almost getting injured in the process.

Authorities are now trying to locate the woman.

The Bridgeton Police Department shared the footage from Cohanzick Zoo on Facebook with details of how she climbed over the wooden fence to touch the predator.

In the video the woman is seen putting her fingers through the wire fence which prevents the animal from escaping.

The tiger looks agitated as it sniffs what’s on offer before lunging at it to try and take a bite.

The woman jumps back and heads towards the wooden fence she had climbed over, as the tiger continues to pace up and down.

The police also shared an image of the sign on the fence which clearly reads: “Do not climb over the fence. Climbing over any zoo fence is against city ordinance 247-C.”

A statement released by police following the incident said: “Reminder to the public when visiting the zoo that it is against City Ordinance to climb over any fence.

“A female at the Cohanzick Zoo went over the wooden fence at the tiger enclosure and began enticing the tiger almost getting bit by putting her hand through the wire enclosure.”

They shared the video on social media in the hopes that someone will recognise her and send them an anonymous tip through their website.

Local media outlet News 12 New Jersey said these actions would warrant a ban or restriction from the zoo if the woman is identified.

John Medica, Director of Recreation and Public Affairs for the City of Bridgeton, told People in a statement: "Any visitor behaviour that places the animals, staff and members of the public in a potentially dangerous situation is unacceptable and will be addressed accordingly."

Cohanzick Zoo opened in 1934 and brands itself as the first zoo in New Jersey.

According to the zoo’s website, the tiger is one of two Bengal tigers that were born in 2016 and donated to them in 2017 by a zoo in North Carolina.

Cohanzick Zoo is home to 45 species of animals including leopards, bears and lemurs among others.