Multimedia Reporting (Kuhr-Musser)

Despite security cameras and floodlights, two of the three fiberglass Jayhawks surrounding Jayhawk Bookstore on 1420 Crescent Road have been struck by vandals.

Merhawk on the Kaw and Bit O' Hawk have both been targets of vandalism.

Sharon Dewey, creator of Merhawk on the Kaw, has had to repair the Merhawk twice already.

“It’s just the risk you take with public art in a college town,” Dewey said.

The first vandalism occurred within June 2003, just months after the Merhawk first went on display. The vandals pushed the Merhawk over. The second incident occurred within the last year and a half. This time the tail was broken off the Merhawk.

The second incident could possibly be vandalism or a case of a person too heavy for the tail sitting or standing on it for a picture, Dewey said.

On Jan. 17, 2006, Bit O’ Hawk, the Jayhawk near the entrance of Jayhawk Bookstore was found pushed over. The Jayhawk suffered extensive damage.

Depending on the damage, repairs can become costly. However, the creators of the Jayhawks are not responsible for paying for the repairs. Instead, the owners of the Jayhawks cover the cost of the repairs.

The original artist who created the Jayhawk is usually hired to make the repairs, Dewey said.

Bill and Janet Muggy are owners of the Jayhawk Bookstore as well as the three Jayhawks surrounding the store.

They have made the Jayhawks as secure as they can.

“There’s really no way to increase security,” Muggy said.

Muggy said that the campus police drive by the store; there are security cameras on the birds, and floodlights as well.

There is not a clear reason as to why the vandals are striking the Jayhawks.

“I think its bored or undisciplined kids,” Dewey said.

Whatever the reason, the vandals keep on striking.

If anyone has any information regarding the recent vandalism of Bit O’ Hawk, please click on this link and call the number listed.