Car shell suspended on rock face above British Columbia highway in apparent prank

British Columbia authorities have issued a warning to the public to avoid a rock face in Squamish where engineering students suspended a red Volkswagen Beetle shell in what appears to be the latest in a series of high-profile pranks.

The distinctive vehicle shell, which appeared last week on a steep rock face above Highway 99, features a large “E” emblazoned on its roof. This marking points to University of British Columbia engineering students continuing their long-standing tradition of placing Beetle shells in challenging and often controversial locations.

Provincial officials are now coordinating efforts to safely remove the vehicle from the precarious position. “BC Parks is working to remove the Beetle and expects to do so within the week,” a statement from the province’s Environment Ministry confirmed on Monday. The ministry added that both the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and park rangers have been tasked with investigating the incident.

The prank site holds particular significance as it’s located near the Stawamus Chief, a granite monolith that stands as one of British Columbia’s most recognizable natural landmarks. The formation, which rises about 700 meters above the waters of Howe Sound, is not only a premier destination for rock climbers and hikers but also a culturally significant site.

Squamish Mayor Armand Hurford emphasized the cultural importance of the area in his response to the incident. “This is a sacred place with deep cultural meaning to the Squamish Nation,” Hurford stated. “What may have felt like an innocent prank has affected the community. This is an area that deserves respect, and that wasn’t the case here.”

This incident appears to be the latest chapter in what has become something of a tradition among UBC engineering students. In 2009, a similar stunt ended poorly when a Beetle fell from the Iron Workers Memorial Bridge in Vancouver. That failed attempt resulted in the arrest of five students who had tried to suspend the vehicle shell from the span.

The practice of placing Volkswagen Beetles in unusual locations has roots in engineering student culture across North America, often serving as a demonstration of technical skill and daring. However, as these stunts have evolved, they’ve increasingly raised concerns about safety, environmental impact, and respect for culturally significant sites.

When contacted about the incident, a spokesperson for the University of British Columbia did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The university has previously faced questions about its responsibility in monitoring and potentially discouraging such activities among its student body.

Local authorities are particularly concerned about public safety, as the area is frequently visited by tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. The rock face’s popularity among hikers and rock climbers means unauthorized alterations or installations could pose serious risks to visitors.

Environmental experts note that removing the vehicle presents its own challenges, as authorities must ensure the extraction process doesn’t cause additional damage to the rock face or surrounding ecosystem. The operation will likely require specialized equipment and careful planning to minimize environmental impact.

This incident highlights the ongoing tension between student traditions and their potential consequences for public spaces, particularly those with cultural and ecological significance. As authorities prepare to remove the vehicle, the incident has sparked renewed discussion about the boundaries between pranks and activities that impact protected natural areas and culturally important sites.

Local climbing groups have also expressed concern, noting that stunts like these could potentially lead to more restrictions on legitimate recreational access to popular climbing areas if they continue to occur.