I love kitties... but not this much!

A man in Ohio has been arrested after posting a video online of him climbing over the barrier fences at the Columbus Zoo to pet the cougars.

Joshua Newell dropped his bag to the ground and climbed over the 4 foot fence that separates spectators from the animals' cages. With camera in hand, he calls out to the cats and decides to show them some love and affection.

The zoo is pressing charges against Newell with a misdemeanor count of trespassing and citing public safety and animal welfare as its top priorities.

Though the cats seemed friendly enough, the zoo reminds the public that they are still large carnivores and wild animals who can be unpredictable and dangerous.

Looking back on what he did, Newell does admit that he regrets his actions.

“I do want to apologize to the Columbus Zoo,” he said. “I am concerned that other people will try it and that's why I'm on camera to persuade them to not do it.”

You can watch the entire video of the encounter below.

Contributor: Mariah Terry

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