A clueless animal smuggler has been arrested by police after trying to sell a tiger cub on social media.

Carlos Castro-Alcaraz, 25, tried to sell the tiger to undercover officers for USD 20,000 (GBP 16,000) before he was arrested by cops in Phoenix, Arizona, USA.

A search warrant on his home in Carson Road, near 27th Avenue and Baseline Road, also turned up an American alligator and a dozen snapping turtles.

Police later released images of the tiger cub, including a short video showing it locked up inside a small cage in a closet with clothes and other personal items.

It appears to be unhappy about its situation and is heard growling in the video footage.

Sgt. Brian Bower of the Phoenix Police Department said they believed that the man arrested was part of a bigger ring and were hoping to track down others involved in the illegal trade in exotic animals.

The tiny cub is now being cared for by US Fish & Wildlife officials.

Only recently, US President Joe Biden signed the Big Cat Public Safety Act, which prohibits the private ownership of big cats.