A lighthearted prank involving googly eyes and public sculptures recently stirred up a conversation in Bend, Oregon. The mystery began when residents noticed googly eyes appearing on various sculptures around the city, prompting a response from city officials on Facebook. While acknowledging the humor, the city's post emphasized the cost of carefully removing the eyes without damaging the artwork.

The mastermind behind the googly eyes, Jeff Keith, revealed himself in an interview with the Associated Press. Keith, the founder of a local non-profit dedicated to combating human trafficking, explained that the prank was a way to bring joy to the community and provide a personal outlet for coping with difficult work. He used duct tape to affix the eyes, ensuring easy removal.

Keith expressed his enjoyment in seeing families laugh at the adorned sculptures, stating, "When I come up on these roundabouts and I see families laughing, like hysterically laughing at these, it makes for a good time." He also added that it serves as a coping mechanism for dealing with the heavy subject matter of his work.

The city's Facebook post sparked a range of reactions from locals. Some questioned the city's priorities, while others downplayed the potential damage. Many expressed amusement, with comments like "I’m pro-googly eye" and "I really love the pro-googly eye stance Bend is taking." Another resident suggested focusing on infrastructure issues like potholes instead.

According to the Associated Press, eight sculptures were involved in the prank, and the removal process is estimated to cost $1,500. Keith has offered to cover the expenses associated with his playful act. Fox News Digital contacted the City of Bend for further comment.