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BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) – The University of Vermont is offering a reward for the return of its missing cat.

The catamount that is, the 200-pound, 9-foot by 7-foot aluminum snarling mascot that is jumping through an oversized V.

The sign had been taken to a South Burlington business for updating when it disappeared between Jan. 27 and Thursday.

“It’s probably a college student prank,” said Sign-A-Rama owner Bob Diaco. “It’s either that or somebody who wanted it for the value of the metal. Hopefully, it will show up in the next few days.”

UVM officials hope to give the cat a makeover and display it on Patrick Gymnasium.

The reward will be in the form of sporting event tickets.

“I think we would certainly like to show our appreciation for anyone who’s able to help us get it back,” said Chris McCabe, UVM assistant vice president. “We have so many exciting things going on in the athletic department with our events. We would certainly make sure we put somebody rink-side, court-side.”

The cat sign is valued at $10,000.

Anyone with information on its whereabouts or the individuals involved in the theft should call South Burlington police.

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