Indian elephant gently pushes down barrier that was in its path at a crossing in southern India

It is well established that elephants are clever creatures.

And this was proven by an Indian elephant bull as he skillfully crushes a check post that stands in his way.

The incredible footage from Tamil Nadu, southern India, shows the enormous elephant approach a checkpoint crossing – with a barrier blocking its path.

Adult males have a tendency to use brute force in situations like this to overcome an obstacle and can be dangerous.

But this artful animal has the presence of mind to bend the barricade with his powerful tusks.

He slowly pushes it down at the middle until it is low enough for him to trample on.

Using his left leg to flatten the checkered pole, the elephant completes the task using his body weight.

The mammals are said to be aware of their enormity and often use it to their advantage by uprooting trees.

But this pachyderm opted for a gentle approach to find his way.

Once the bar reaches a comfortable height, he then crossed over, with his left hind leg used to keep the bar down.

The CCTV footage taken at night is believed to be from Gudalur municipality in Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, where elephants and humans often come into contact.

In recent weeks, Tamil Nadu has had reports of elephants coming out forests and attacking people.

But a backlash came after a wild elephant called Chinna Thambi was captured, with some saying it is a human-friendly elephant.

Protesters have set up a fan club for Chinna Thambi – meaning Little Brother – called Chinna Thambi Fans Association.

Plans for him to be trained as a kumki – tamed elephant used to capture wild elephants and for wildlife safari – were made by state Forest Minister Dindigul C Sreenivasan, Indian Express reported.

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