Ringling Circus Elephant Shot

An elephant from the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus has been hit by a bullet in a drive-by shooting, according to media reports.

The circus elephant was not seriously hurt in the shooting Tuesday outside an arena in Tupelo, Miss., according to an Associated Press report in The Sarasota Herald Tribune.

The circus is in town for a series of performances, and the 39-year-old elephant, named Carol, has been pulled from the show. She is being monitored by a veterinarian.

The shooting has led to an outpouring of concern on social media sites, and rewards to find the shooter.

More than $20,000 is being offered in rewards, with Crime Stoppers of Northeast Mississippi, U.S. Fish and Wildlife and Ringling Brothers contributing, according to WTVA.com.

Carol, was standing in an outside pen at the BancorpSouth Arena, when the shooting took place at about 2 a.m., Tuesday, April 9.

A vehicle drove by the arena and shots were fired into an area where the animals are kept, according to Tupelo police, who are investigating the incident.

Dr. Dennis Schmitt described the wound as "dime sized" and located on the elephant's shoulder. Carol is being treated with antibiotics, and is active, according to WTVA.com.

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