Students Release 72,000 Ladybugs in School for Senior Prank

Some pests set 72,000 ladybugs loose throughout a Maryland high school as part of a senior prank, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

Five suspects wearing masks and hooded sweatshirts broke into Chopticon High School in Morganza, Md., at 3:40 a.m. Wednesday and released ladybugs purchased online in the hallways, while two waited in a car, authorities say.

Four suspects have been charged with burglary, property destruction and disruption of school activities, while the other three have been charged by criminal summons.

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Write to Olivia B. Waxman at olivia.waxman@time.com.