Man attempts to illegally transport tiger cub across U.S. border from Mexico

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers had an "unusual situation" Wednesday when they rescued an illegally-trafficked tiger cub from the clutches of the animal trade.

>> Read more trending news

Luis Eudoro Valencia, 18, of California, was traveling from Mexico to California with a 21-year-old passenger when the duo was stopped at Otay Mesa Port around 1:30 a.m., KGTV reported.

>> Nearly 2 tons of marijuana disguised as lettuce seized at US-Mexico border

During a vehicle inspection, CBP officers said they found the cub lying on the passenger side floor and removed it.

Valencia told officers he had purchased the tiger for $300 from an individual he encountered walking a full-sized tiger on a leash in Tijuana, according to KGTV.

>> Warning: State Department discouraging travel to Cancun, Los Cabos

The cub is now in the hands of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service who is working with the San Diego Zoo to determine the best care for the animal, CBP officers said.

Tigers are considered endangered species, so it's illegal to import them into the United States without permits, which Valencia did not have, KGTV reported.

Valencia faces smuggling charges. He has since posted the $10,000 bond and is expected in court on Sept. 5. 
Read more at U.S. Customs and Border Protection website and KGTV.