BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (AP) — A team mascot for a California minor league hockey team is becoming a sensation on the Internet after trying to escape its handler.
As the national anthem was being played before a game between the Bakersfield Condors and the Las Vegas Wranglers at Bakersfield's Rabobank Arena on Friday an Andean Condor broke free from its handler.
The rare bird of prey — with a wingspan of several feet — is the mascot for the hockey Condors.
During its escape attempt, the bird slid across center ice before flying toward the Condors' team bench, prompting several players to duck for cover.
The condor was finally caught by its handler as it headed down the tunnel to the locker room. The scene left players and coaches laughing and fans cheering.
The escape attempt has also gone viral on the Internet.
As for the hockey Condors, they lost the game 4-1.
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