Audio By Carbonatix
Contrary to an alert broadcast on an Arizona Department of Transportation-controlled electronic street sign, a “rogue panda” is not on a “rampage” in Flagstaff.
Yesterday morning, motorists traveling on Fort Valley Road in Flagstaff were met with a sign that was supposed to warn drivers about no left turns at the upcoming intersection
Instead, it warned that a “rogue panda was on [a] rampage.”
Pandas, as you’re probably aware, are not native to Flagstaff. Nor, can we imagine, are they capable of going “rogue.” Needless to say, the sign raised a few eyebrows.
When news happens, Phoenix New Times is there —
Your support strengthens our coverage.
We’re aiming to raise $30,000 by December 31, so we can continue covering what matters most to you. If New Times matters to you, please take action and contribute today, so when news happens, our reporters can be there.
Obviously, the sign was just a (really awesome) prank.
Flagstaff police did not immediately return our call this afternoon, but a spokesman for the law enforcement agency tells the Arizona Daily Sun that “we want to assure all citizens of Flagstaff that there is no problem with rogue pandas.”
Well that’s a relief.
We contacted ADOT to find out how easy it would be for someone to hack into one of these electronic street signs. The agency’s spokesman, Dustin Krugel, tells New Times “we will not be doing any interviews about the altered street sign in Flagstaff yesterday.”
Sounds like someone’s a little embarrassed…
