Elephant disregards border law, crosses from China to Laos

Jan. 29 (UPI) -- Security cameras at a Chinese border crossing recorded an elephant disregarding the law by making its way into Laos.

Footage recorded at the Chahe border in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan province, shows the elephant circumventing a barrier and making its way into Luang Namtha, Laos, about 4:30 a.m. Sunday.

Border officials said teams were sent to warn residents of nearby villagers of the potential danger from a raiding elephant, but the animal returned via the same border crossing two hours after entering Laos.

Officials said the pachyderm was last seen walking back into the forest.

Chahe border officer Li Zhifu said the elephant was likely searching for food.