Authorities in British Columbia have urged the public to steer clear of a rock face overlooking a highway, where a red Volkswagen Beetle shell has been suspended in what appears to be an elaborate prank. The province’s Environment Ministry confirmed on Monday that BC Parks is working to remove the vehicle within the week, with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and park rangers now investigating.
The car shell, emblazoned with a large ‘E’ on its roof, first appeared last week above Highway 99 in Squamish. This distinctive marking suggests the stunt is a continuation of a long-standing tradition among University of British Columbia engineering students, known for placing Beetle shells in challenging locations.
In 2009, a Beetle fell from the Iron Workers Memorial Bridge, and Vancouver police arrested five students in a failed attempt to suspend it from the span.
A spokesperson for the university did not immediately return a message seeking comment.
Squamish Mayor Armand Hurford said the area around the Stawamus Chief rock formation is a “sacred place” with deep cultural meaning to the Squamish Nation.
He said the area is also popular among hikers and climbers and what “may have felt like an innocent prank” has affected the community.
“This is an area that deserves respect, and that wasn’t the case here,” Hurford said in the statement.
