Wayward elephant ignores border controls in China, strolls into Laos

YUNNAN PROVINCE, China (KTVU) - A not so inconspicuous looking subject was caught on surveillance camera crossing a border checkpoint in China to enter Laos.

The now viral video shows a large Asian elephant casually strolling up to a border barricade and then carefully stepping over the barrier during predawn hours over the weekend, according to China Central Television Station. 

Border officials did not attempt to stop the animal but they reportedly fanned out in nearby villages to warn residents about the elephant on the loose.

The wayward pachyderm's time as a tourist in Laos was short lived.

Officials say two hours later, the animal returned to China, using the same border crossing.

It was last seen walking back into a forest.

Local border patrol officers say elephants often look for food in nearby areas during the cold winter months.