Woodchucks blamed for missing veterans' flags

ADAMS, Mass. (AP) — Authorities say furry critters, not vandals, are likely to blame for American flags that disappeared from veterans' graves in Massachusetts.

The flags at Bellevue Cemetery, in Adams, were first reported missing earlier this month. Residents volunteered to replace the flags by hand, but then those went missing, too.

Police Chief Richard Tarsa told The Boston Globe that officers found evidence  a woodchuck is likely using the flags in its burrow.

Tarsa says a similar incident happened in New York in 2012, where police linked a woodchuck to about 75 flags that disappeared from Cedar Park Cemetery.

Police say they still plan to keep an eye on the cemetery.