A large black bear endured a bumpy landing after authorities shot it with a tranquiliser gun to rescue it from the top of a tree.

The 18-stone bear had climbed 30ft up a tree outside a house in Panama City, Florida, on Monday.

Animal welfare officials were waiting at the bottom with a large red sheet of tarpaulin to catch the drowsy bear.

But as the animal fell through the branches it tore through the sheet meant to soften its fall and hit the ground with real force.

Fortunately the bear was unhurt – and luckily for the rescuers, was still in comatose.

Black bear tears through safety sheet in Panama City, Florida