Motorists were forced to flee as a wild elephant searched their vehicle for food in Sri Lanka.

The incident took place at Kataragama Road in Buttala in Katagamuwa on August 11.

The animal is seen rummaging through a family's car in search of food. The passengers are then forced to exit the vehicle.

According to local reports, the family gave the elephant some bread to prevent the animal from harassing them further. The forest department officials rushed to the spot to avoid any animal-human conflict.

The Sri Lankan elephant is an endangered species protected under the Sri Lankan law, with an estimated population of just 3,000.

Panic gripped locals as an elephant charged at a vehicle in Sri Lanka.

The incident took place at Kataragama Road in Buttala in Katagamuwa on August 11.

According to reports, a wild elephant had strayed out of the forest onto the road.

Following this, it managed to stop a car to extort food.

In a video that surfaced online, the curious elephant can be seen thrusting its head through the vehicle window as the family seated inside commenced to panicking.

Following this, it tries to topple the car while pushing it with its trunk.

Reports suggest the family gave some pieces of bread to the elephant to prevent the animal from harassing them further.

The video later shows some people, including a child escaping the car and fleeing the spot to save their lives.

According to sources, forest department officials rushed to the spot to avoid any animal-human conflict.

The Sri Lankan elephant is an endangered species protected under the Sri Lankan law, with an estimated population of just 3,000.