The Jaguar man was injured when he mocked the animals for violating the ban

Authorities say a man was hit by a jaguar at a Florida zoo and injured as he climbed too close to the animal’s enclosure.

The Florida Times-Union reports that the attack took place at the “Range of the Jaguar” exhibition at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.

The man, who was not identified by authorities, was admitted to hospital with life-threatening injuries, zoo officials said.

Zoo spokeswoman Kelly Rulerd said the victim climbed a waist-high security barrier about 4 feet (1.2 meters) between the visitor and the Jaguar exhibition fence.

The man began to tease the jaguar and crossed the fence.

Harry, as the animal is known, attacked and wounded the man.

Rolard said the cat was acting as part of a wild animal’s normal behavior and did not expect anything to happen to it.

Earlier this year, authorities confirmed that Harry was involved in a fight in which another jaguar was killed.

Zoo officials do not plan to lay criminal charges against the injured man, whose name has not been released.