Animal pranksters caught on camera in Kansas park

A gorilla poses for a grin. Credit: Gardner Police Department

Police in Kansas were surprised to find gorillas, dogs, monsters and Father Christmas prowling a park at night, after they set up motion-activated cameras to detect if there were mountain lions in the area.

Police said they were 'surprised by the images. Credit: Gardner Police Department

However, these were not real animals, monsters, or jolly old Saint Nick posing in Celebration Park, but jokers who had donned the outfits for a laugh after spotting the cameras put in place after police were contacted over concerns of a mountain lion in the park.

The police had been expecting to see images of genuine animals. Credit: Gardner Police Department

Gardner Police Department said they were "surprised" by some of the images, adding: "We would like to sincerely thank the persons responsible as it made our day when we pulled up what we expected to be hundreds of pictures of coyotes, foxes and raccoons.

Police thanked the pranksters for the 'sense of humour'. Credit: Gardner Police Department

"Thank you to the citizens who noticed the cameras.

"Your effort and sense of humour are greatly appreciated."

As well as animals the pranksters dressed as monsters. Credit: Gardner Police Department

Police also noted that the wildlife they did capture on camera was not "dangerous" and mountain lions have not been detected in the park.

The pranksters were also joined on camera by genuine animals who frequent the park at night.

Genuine wildlife was also photographed. Credit: Gardner Police Department
Genuine wildlife was also photographed. Credit: Gardner Police Department