Lol! Tyga Got His Tiger Confiscated

Tyga's pet tiger has just been ripped from his clutches -- after authorities claimed the rapper was illegally in possession of the exotic animal ... and now Tyga could face criminal charges.

California Wildlife officers received a report last week that a tiger was housed at Tyga's home in Ventura County.

A warden responded to the home -- and Tyga told him he had removed the cat from the house (presumably due to complaints) and placed it at a private animal shelter.

It's unclear how long Tyga's had the cat -- but he began posting photos of the tiger on Instagram last month.

According to law enforcement, Wildlife officers picked up the 7-month-old cat at the shelter and transferred it to a state facility for safekeeping ... while they investigate.

Tyga could face misdemeanor charges of possession of a prohibited species ... punishable by up to six months in jail.

Tyga took good care of the tiger. Sources close to Tyga tell TMZ , the rapper didn't realize it was illegal to own ... and as soon as he realized, he gave it to a sanctuary.

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