DIXFIELD — Bullrock the moose is rotting from the inside out.

The 6-foot tall town mascot has had his picture taken with thousands of people from all over the country in the past decade. Carved from a 150-year-old solid piece of pine by artist Ted Walker, Bullrock has welcomed people into town as well as into the Village Green and the gazebo.

However, time and weather have taken their toll, and the Economic Development Council that raised the $1,000 to pay for him is now faced with deciding if he’ll be replaced.

A meeting of the group is set for 8 a.m. Thursday, March 10, to begin plans for Bullrock’s replacement.

Norine Clarke, a selectman and leader of the economic development group, said the organization is trying to decide the best route to take.

“We’re not sure what will replace him,” she said. “We want to take suggestions on what type of moose it should be.”

“Bullrock is a wonderful thing. He has great character and all year long people stop to look at him or take pictures,” she said.

She said although the wood from which Bullrock was created had been treated with a rubberized coating, that sealant didn’t protect the interior from rotting.

Walker, who does annual maintenance of the moose, discovered the rot last year.

Clarke said the Economic Development Council sponsored numerous fundraisers to pay for Bullrock and a similar appeal will be made for his replacement.

“We’re hoping for another year or two of the current Bullrock,” she said.

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