Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe July 11 (UPI) -- A 40-foot squirrel sculpture assembled from straw in a Kazakhstan city is prompting backlash from the public due to its $67,000 price tag. The oversized squirrel, created by South African sculptor Marius Jansen van Vuuren and British artist Alex Rinsler, was partially paid for with about $43,576 worth of public funds as part of the Art Energy festival in Almaty, which features more than a dozen other artworks. Advertisement The sculpture drew criticism from some locals who suggested the public funds could have been put to better use helping cash-strapped locals with medical expenses and other costs, while some others branded the straw sculpture a fire hazard. The squirrel also has its fans, with some residents saying it brings smiles to the faces of local children. The artists behind the squirrel, who created a similar straw fox in Shanghai, said the straw sculpture is designed to change appearance as it faces weather and other forces during its nine months on display outdoors. Read More Kraft auctioning cheese sculptures of 'cheesy' dads for Father's Day Massive Mickey Mouse topiary sculpture breaks Guinness record New York theater giving away 15-foot foam baby sculpture