A stunned car passenger filmed the moment a camel on the loose passed them by at an intersection while police officers chased after it through traffic.

The runaway camel was spotted sprinting across the late-night streets of Urumqi, in China's north-western Xinjiang Region.

An woman who rode in a vehicle that was stopped at a red light recorded the moment the wild animal darted across the empty intersection.

As it passed by them, it even turned its head to the camera as if to greet the person filming. Then, it disappeared behind the vehicle, followed by a motorbike cop and the sound of the woman giggling.

It is unclear if police managed to capture it but no accidents or injuries have been reported.

According to local media, the animal seen in the video is a Bactrian camel. The Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus), also known as the Mongolian camel, is a large, two-humped camel native to the steppes of Central Asia.

Known for its distinctive double hump, long shaggy coat, and adaptable nature, the Bactrian camel has been domesticated for thousands of years, serving as a valuable pack animal in arid regions.

Well-adapted to harsh environments, it can endure extreme temperatures and survive on minimal water, making it an essential companion for nomadic communities in its native range.