Flying creature 'grabs' surfer statue

CARDIFF-BY-THE-SEA, Calif., Aug. 14 (UPI) -- Off-beat vandals created a prehistoric world around a surfer statue in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Calif., with a flying creature poised to carry it off.

The statue, officially named "Magic Carpet Ride," has been redesigned periodically by unappreciative Cardiff residents since its installation in 2007.

In the latest incarnation Saturday morning, passers-by saw a giant flying prehistoric beast appearing ready to carry the surfer away, the Los Angeles Times reported. The scene was set with a volcano backdrop, small palm trees and two velociraptors.

The statue, depicting a young boy on a surfboard, is derisively known locally as the "Cardiff Kook," and has been changed by guerrilla artists in the middle of the night to Michael Jackson, Oprah, a British royal bride, a witch and more. Most spectacularly, a giant shark was built around the statue, appearing to eat the surfer a la the movie "Jaws."

City Hall officials are not happy with the pranks, reportedly spending $2,000 to repair damage done to the statue.