Air Force falcon mascot seriously injured in prank before football game at Army

WEST POINT, N.Y. (AP) — One of Air Force's falcon mascots was injured during a prank prior to the annual rivalry football game against Army, according to an official at the Air Force Academy.

The mascot, Aurora, a 22-year-old falcon, suffered an undisclosed injury and was being brought on the flight back to Colorado to see a specialist at the Air Force Academy, according to Troy Garnhart, associate athletic director for strategic communications at the school.

According to the Colorado Springs Gazette, West Point cadets took Aurora from an Army colonel's house as part of a prank during the week leading up to Saturday's game at Michie Stadium. The newspaper characterized the injury as "potentially life-threatening."

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“USAFA mascot Aurora was injured over the weekend and is being transported back to Colorado,” academy spokesman Lt. Col Tracy Bunko said. “We have specialists at the academy who have the best training and facilities for her care. She is part of our academy family and we are all hoping for her full and speedy recovery.”

Officials at West Point did not immediately return an email from The Associated Press seeking comment.