By Tim Binnall
Authorities in Canada have arrested a talented yet misguided man who allegedly carved a series of remarkably detailed faces into several trees on public land. According to a local media report, the curious case began last month when residents in the community of Welland, Ontario noticed the striking visages that seemingly appeared overnight. Although the faces were initially met with wonderment, given the almost magical manner in which they materialized, the sentiment soon turned to scorn as many people were dismayed that the previously pristine trees were now exposed to an array of potential health risks brought about by the phantom carver stripping away their bark.
City officials decried the damage done to the trees and police set about trying to track down the individual responsible for the unauthorized artwork. Their investigation ultimately led them to an unnamed man who was arrested on Monday. Accused of carving faces into seven different trees, he was charged with criminal mischief involving the "wilful damage of property valued at $5,000 or more." If convicted, the man could wind up with a sizeable fine and a possible prison sentence. As for his handiwork, the faces will apparently remain in place for the foreseeable future as the city's arborist indicated that the trees are otherwise healthy and, presumably, any steps to erase the artwork would only exacerbate their current predicament.