BOULDER, Colo. — A dead raccoon in a Boulder bike lane attracted more attention than the average roadkill after someone tied a helium balloon featuring the message "Get well soon!" to the animal's foot.

The Daily Camera reports that the raccoon was spotted Thursday morning by passers-by, who said they felt sad for the animal but were amused by the balloon.

City contractors working to control traffic during sewer work nearby say they saw a man drive up, tie the balloon to the raccoon and then drive off.

Bakari Jiles says he also saw the man snap a picture of the animal.

Several motorists and pedestrians had also stopped to get a close-up view and take pictures.

Both the raccoon's carcass and the balloon were removed from the roadway by late afternoon.

—The Associated Press