This is the moment a hungry puma terrified apartment owners at a luxury condo when it leapt into their garden looking for prey.

Security CCTV footage from the posh estate in Uberlandia, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, on 2nd June shows the big cat prowling down the swanky street in the early hours.

As it reaches the condo, it leaps effortlessly onto a huge fence and then drops down silently into the estate's private gardens, where residents often walk their dogs.

Astonished security staff woke apartment owners to warn them not to set foot outside their homes until the puma was captured.

Later footage shows how firefighters gradually penned in the big cat using a series of nets and mobile gates.

Then vets from the Federal University of Uberlandia used a dart gun to tranquilise the puma so it could be removed safely.

Picture shows the puma at one of the residencies in Uberlandia, Brazil, undated. The animal was captured. Note: Private photo. (Newsflash/NX)

After medical checks the big cat was taken to a nearby area of rainforest area and returned to its natural habitat the next day.

Vet Marcio Bandarra said the puma was an adult male weighing around 100 kilos (220 lbs).

Picture shows the capture of the puma at one of the residencies in Uberlandia, Brazil, undated. The animal was later released. Note: Private photo. (Newsflash/NX)

He explained: "There were no injuries but he was dehydrated. After being rehydrated he was put in a transport box and released.

"These animals roam a lot at night, reaching distances of 40 to 50 kilometres [25 to 30 miles]."

(Clive Goodman / newsX)