Iconic Moose Head Stolen From Lobby Of Lake Tahoe Resort

NORTH LAKE TAHOE (CBS13) - An iconic stuffed moose head has gone missing from a popular North Lake Tahoe Resort, and now authorities are reaching out to the public to help track it down.

Between midnight and 7 a.m. on January 22, a person or persons entered the lobby at Sunnyside Resort on 1850 W Lake Boulevard in Tahoe City and stole the historic moose head mounted on the wall, according to a statement from Placer County Sheriff's Department spokesperson Dena Erwin.

Just how long the moose head has been around is a mystery, according to Assistant General Manager Don Edelstein. It was definitely there in 1987 when they remodeled the lobby, he says.

As for how the large trophy was stolen, that remains a mystery as well.

"They probably needed a ladder to get it down. Unless they were just tall guys and jumped off and pulled it off. It's pretty high up there," said Edelstein. "We can't decide if it was some drunk guys or a planned heist from some guys with a pickup truck and ladder."

Edelstein estimates the mount, which is about 5 feet across, is valued between $4,000 and $5,000.

Although the head doesn't have a name, it's well known throughout in the area. Manager Jeff Ox says he's surprised it hadn't been stolen until January.

Anyone with information about the theft or the whereabouts of the head is urged to contact Detective John Lasagna at the Placer County Sheriff's Office Investigations Division, Tahoe City, at (530) 581-6323. You can remain anonymous and earn up to $1,000 in a cash reward by contacting Placer County Crime Stoppers with your tip at 1-800-923-8191, or at www.placercrimestoppers.com.