Some years back (around 1998), the City of Aberdeen was graced with about 12 decorated utility boxes, where an artist painted the utility box and also added a steel bird cage with a replica of an imaginery "Rare & Endangered Species of Grays Harbor". They were the focus of a great (but now archived) geocache called Art of Aberdeen: "Imaginary Menagerie", GCRCGA (check out the photo gallery of that cache!)
Many of the original menagerie have been removed, and some are looking their age, there are still a few specimens that can be seen. This one is at the corner of Zelasko Park, 250 S F St in Aberdeen. Hundreds of motorists pass it each day.
The plaque reads:
"Rare & Endangered Species of Grays Harbor
Spine Wart
Verruca spinosa"
Links for more information:
About the endangered critters (
visit link)
Walking Tour Brochure: (
visit link)
List of the Rare & Endangered Species:
Humptulips Hornbee, Sand Squatter, Chinhook Salmon, Pile Python, Bald Beagle, Barkbeetle Beggar, Grizzly Hare, Bull Snout, Aberbeanie, Hoquiam Honker, Spotted Howl, Mud Puffer, Wishkah Winker.