Moose art vandalism continues in CdA

Coeur d’Alene’s colorful moose statues are proving irresistible – to vandals.

The life-size fiberglass moose, each decorated by an artist, were attacked again Saturday night.

One was damaged, and another was chiseled off its concrete base and carted off.

The stolen moose, which had been brightening up Sunshine Gardens, was named Rocky and Bullwinkle.

The moose could be worth as much as $20,000 at auction, said Lonnie Jordahl, co-chairman of the art project.

The statue, decorated by Richard Gendron, weighed between 125 and 150 pounds, Jordahl said.

“If the moose is returned immediately,” Jordahl said Sunday, “we will not press charges.”

The second moose, Matilda, is no stranger to violent crime.

Painted by Deer Park artist Stephen Strickland, Matilda had previously been tipped over on May 31.

It was reinstalled at its Northwest Boulevard perch Friday and toppled again Saturday night, suffering a damaged hoof and cracked chest.

“We’re in the process of putting video surveillance on these animals,” Jordahl said Sunday.

The cost of repairs will be about $1,500, Jordahl said.

The May 31 vandals had also damaged the moose “Digging Water Potatoes Along Lake Coeur d’Alene” a few blocks from Matilda on Northwest Boulevard.

That moose had been painted by Native American artist George Flett.

Each moose sustained about $2,000 in damages in the May 31 incidents, said police Sgt. Christie Wood, which elevated the vandalism to a felony.

The moose are among 26 installed in Coeur d’Alene in May as part of a fund-raiser by the EXCEL Foundation for local schools.

In September the moose will be auctioned off.

After the earlier attacks, the EXCEL Foundation offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the cases.

That reward also applies to the latest incidents, Jordahl said Sunday

Anyone with information is asked to call the Coeur d’Alene Police Department tip line at (208) 769-2296.