Circus elephant wounded in Miss. drive-by shooting

An Asian elephant named Carol was hit by a bullet Tuesday in a drive-by shooting in Tupelo, where the circus troupe is in town for a series of shows.

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

The elephant was in an area outside where the circus keeps animals at the 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.