Shaky footage shows prankster Joshua Newell, 35, climbing over the outer fence of the big cat enclosure at Columbus Zoo in Ohio, US.
He then pushes his hand right up to the inner fence and strokes the deadly predators through the wire while cooing: “Kitty, kitty, kitty.”
Zoo chief Tom Stalf said in a statement: “Animal welfare and safety are two of our top priorities.
“Barriers, like the fence line at the cougar habitat, are in place to keep our guests safe.
“The actions taken in this video were alarming and resulted in our decision to press charges.”
Newell, who posted the footage on YouTube, is due to appear in court on Wednesday.
The video, which has been watched almost 100,000 times, was blasted by viewers online.
Katie Kleber wrote: “You stupid idiot! Did you know that these animals could rip your arm off — they have the potential?
“How do you know you did not infect them with some disease to which they have not been vaccinated?”
Viewer Wizewon added: “This dude doesn’t even have the brains of a turnip.”
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