Burgled bobcat found on field of rival high school

BLUFFTON, S.C. (AP) — That 250-pound bobcat statue swiped from Bluffton High School turned up on the football field of rival Hilton Head High in what appears to be a kidnapping by pranksters.

Authorities say the bobcat mascot was found Thursday, the same day the pranksters released a video showing a masked youngster holding a BB gun to the statue’s head. The voice on the video warned “We have your kitten. If our demands are not met, it dies.”

The mascot has since been returned to Bluffton High. Police say school administrators want the case investigated with an eye to possibly pressing charges to discourage such pranks in future.

But school athletic officials say they’re just glad the bobcat is home.