Town's claim to fame is straw goat

GAVLE, Sweden, Dec. 25 (UPI) -- Police in Gavle, Sweden, say they protected a straw goat in the town's main square on Christmas Eve but won't rest until it is properly dismantled next month.

The Gavle Goat was first erected in 1966, and while about half of the town takes pride in its existence, the rest want to burn it down, Swedish news agency TT reported.

So far, the straw goat has burned down more frequently than not.

Heavy security may be the reason the goat has survived this Christmas, but a security guard was reportedly offered $7,000 for access to the creation.

The 40-foot creation will be dismantled Jan. 3 -- if police can keep it secure.

"We'll see if it's still standing for New Year," said Goran Lyrberg, a police spokesman.