Who Is Leaving Bowls Of Mashed Potatoes Around Jackson, Mississippi?

Some locals think it's a harmless prank, but others fear the potatoes are meant to poison animals.

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Residents of a neighborhood in Jackson, Mississippi, are confused by the bowls of mashed potatoes they’re finding on their cars, porches and mailboxes.

Resident Jordan Lewis described the Belhaven neighborhood as a quirky one, with residents decorating road signs and putting Christmas trees in potholes.

“So we don’t know if someone is just playing a prank or if someone just had a lot of leftovers,” Lewis said.

But Sebastian Bjernegard says some residents fear there’s a more sinister message behind the potatoes.

“Some people were thinking maybe the mashed potatoes were poisoned to kill animals,” he said, noting that he almost stepped into a bowl of potatoes Tuesday. “I didn’t taste it. I have a three-second rule, so I didn’t touch it. But some people were worried.”

It’s unclear if anyone has eaten the potatoes, and news outlets report residents haven’t alerted law enforcement.

Resident Michaela Lin says some of potato-finders have connections to a local private Christian university, which may be a clue.

Support HuffPost

At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.

Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.

Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your will go a long way.

Support HuffPost

Before You Go

Potatoes Shaped Like Eyes, Ears, Mouth And Nose
Potatoes Shaped Like Eyes, Ears, Mouth And Nose(01 of03)
Open Image Modal
(Basler Kunstmuseum) (credit:Basler Kunstmuseum)
Potatoes Shaped Like Eyes, Ears, Mouth And Nose(02 of03)
Open Image Modal
(Basler Kunstmuseum) (credit:Basler Kunstmuseum)
Potatoes Shaped Like Eyes, Ears, Mouth And Nose(03 of03)
Open Image Modal
(Basler Kunstmuseum) (credit:Basler Kunstmuseum)