NEW SALEM, N.D.-Salem Sue - one of "world's largest" animal sculptures that mark many towns in North Dakota - has been graffitied this summer.
People have written in bold markers on the New Salem landmark's udders and hind legs, declaring that "they were there."
The cow is a landmark and tourist attraction along Interstate 94.
It's not the first time the cow has been vandalized, according to Kirk Toepke, president of the New Salem Lion's Club, which cares for the cow. It happens off and on. In the past, members have found bullet holes, too.
Toepke said he doesn't know who is doing the graffiti, and the club doesn't report it to the Morton County Sheriff.
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"Just kids," he said. "Hopefully, it's not adults!"
Members take turns maintaining the area and sculpture, which can involve scrubbing off the words.
Donations cover most of the upkeep, Toepke said, which includes electricity for the lights and repainting every several years.
The world's largest Holstein cow, which has stood above the town since 1974, when New Salem was a big dairy community, draws about 3,000 people a month, Toepke said.
