Elephant patroller killed in Yunnan

An elephant patroller has been killed in southern Yunnan after being attacked by a herd of 18 wild elephants in the region. The victim was on patrol with his partner in the Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture on February 3, 2018 when they inadvertently came upon the herd in a heavy fog, reports China Central Television.

Undated photo of wild elephants in Lancang County, Yunnan Province. [File Photo:IC]

It's believed this same herd is responsible for the deaths of four people in the Prefecture last year.

Wild elephants are common in southwestern China, particularly along the border area with Laos and Vietnam.

While they are not predators, wild elephants are known to be territorial, and will attack humans if they feel threatened.