Tree carving stolen from Bills' stadium

The 8 1/2-foot-tall wood statue, created by Carvings for a Cause from trees destroyed by a snowstorm, was unveiled to the public Sunday and remained outside the stadium during the game against the Cleveland Browns, The Buffalo News reported Tuesday.

However, officials said the carving was noticed to have disappeared Monday when it was to be moved to Sahlen's Sports Park, which sponsored the carving by chainsaw master Rick Pratt.

"I've never had anybody steal a carving," Carvings for a Cause founder Therese Forton-Barnes said. "They weigh anywhere from 1,000 to 2,000 pounds."

Copyright 2009 by United Press International.