Circus elephant shot in Mississippi drive-by

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Tupelo, Miss. • Authorities say a Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus elephant was hit by a bullet in a drive-by shooting in Tupelo, Miss.

Circus spokeswoman Melinda Hartline says the elephant was not seriously hurt Tuesday. She says no other animals were harmed.

The elephant, Carol, is part of a circus in town for a series of performances. The Asian elephant was in an outside area of the Tupelo BancorpSouth Arena.

Police Chief Tony Carleton says a vehicle drove past the arena about 2 a.m. and fired into the area. Police are investigating.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals says in a news release that it is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of those responsible. A $250 reward had already been offered.