University of Md Turtle Mascot Statue Catches Fire.

[elleng]

University of Maryland police say finals-week offerings left around a statue of the school's mascot, Testudo, caught fire overnight, but the bronze terrapin is unharmed.

Officers were called to the statue in front McKeldin Library early Wednesday and found notes and books had burned.

The fire was out before officers arrived, but images posted on social media showed flames billowing around the statue perched on a pedestal, which overlooks the campus mall.

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2013/12/18/us/ap-us-university-statue-fire.html?hp

[Blue Owl]

1. Let it be a warning to Mitch McConnell in 2014

n/t

[LiberalEsto]

2. Someone mistook their phrase "Fear the Turtle"

for "Sear the Turtle"

[hootinholler]

3. DUzy

The article says there's social media photos, but doesn't link.

When I saw the headline I was wondering, I thought Testudo was bronze.

[FSogol]

6. He is bronze and if he burst into flames despite a polar vortex, we're screwed.

Students rub his nose daily for extra help on exams.

BTW, Legend has it if a virgin ever graduates from UMD, Testudo will spout wings and fly away.

[elleng]

4. HA!

[CC]

5. Photos can be

here.