Maryland mascot statue Testudo set on fire

December 18, 2013

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Those of you went to school at the University of Maryland or have ever visited are likely familiar with the statue of Testudo that sits on the College Park campus. Testudo is the Terrapins official mascot. Early Wednesday morning, someone tried to murder Testudo.

Every semester during finals week, Maryland students place “offerings” on and around the statue for good luck on their exams. Sometime in the wee hours of Wednesday morning, those items caught fire. Several students posted photos on Twitter of the mascot clinging to life before the blaze was extingushed.

Wow really… I know finals are hard but burning testudo is a little extreme pic.twitter.com/rCeDpwLVK5

— Ren Okojie (@CallMeRen_O) December 18, 2013

whoever lit testudo on fire has a guaranteed F in all their classes SMH pic.twitter.com/rNlws3oskO

— sange (@alymeyerr) December 18, 2013

According to the Baltimore Sun, campus police found the fire already extinguished when they arrived on the scene shortly after 1 a.m. No one was injured, though the fire left quite a mess. Fortunately, the Testudo statue weighs 1,000 pounds, is made of bronze and sits atop a concrete block. The fire hardly left a mark and good luck charms were starting to pile up just hours after the blaze.

Happy to report that Testudo appears to be recovering nicely! #TestudoStrong #UMD pic.twitter.com/BOx4Vj3vMI

— Mila Johns (@milaficent) December 18, 2013

Campus police said they are investigating the fire and foul play has not been ruled out. As USA Today pointed out, there was a half-eaten croissant with two lit candles sticking out of it sitting atop the statue at one point. Perhaps that lit the fire. Come on, people — no open flames next year.

Looking for a NSFW bonus? We have that, too. Here is one of the offerings a student made to Testudo. Hopefully it brought her good luck.