Officials are continuing their investigation into the theft of a bronze statue from Petal High School.

Petal School District Police Chief Robin Kinsey said the theft of a bronze panther statue from the north side of the football field, occurred late Saturday or early Sunday.

Kinsey wouldn’t speculate if the theft was a school prank or the result of someone searching for salvage material. The statue is estimated to cost more than $30,000 and was donated by Forrest County Supervisor Lynn Cartlidge.

The statue, one of three at the football stadium, had rested atop a brick pedestal, is almost 7 feet wide, nearly 3 feet high and is estimated to weigh between 600 to 700 pounds.