'My house mascot': Ohio woman refusing to take down 10-foot tall werewolf decoration

PIQUA, Ohio (WKEF) — A nearly 10-foot-tall Halloween decoration is causing concern for some in an Ohio neighborhood after the owner of the massive plastic werewolf received a notice to take it down.

Owner Mary Simmons says she bought the Halloween decoration last October but chooses to leave it up year-round.

He’s kind of become my house mascot," said Simmons. “I kind of look at it as a security thing. Who wants to break into a house with a 9.5-foot werewolf sitting outside of it? I know I wouldn’t.”

Simmons also said she just loves Halloween and dresses the werewolf, who she named Phil, for the season.

“We’re going to get a big Hawaiian shirt and maybe some sunglasses,' she said.

The city of Piqua said it received an anonymous complaint about the decoration, but some neighbors see no issue with it.

“I’m a big horror fan so I didn’t really mind it," said neighbor Hailey Barker. "I’ve watched them dress it up for different occasions and I think it’s pretty cool.”

The city told WKEF that it gave out a warning but has no plans to further enforce the decoration’s removal. Simmons said she won’t take it down unless it becomes a safety hazard.

“I don’t want somebody walking by and his head falls off, hitting them," said Simmons. "I try to treat people like I want to be treated and I wouldn’t want that to happen to me.”

Over the last few days, Phil has reached thousands on social media; Simmons even created aFacebook page for the werewolf.

Halloween is my decorating season," said Simmons. "People go for fall, spring, and winter. I'm going for Halloween.”

At this time, Simmons said there are no safety concerns. The decoration has stood strong throughout the winter and recent storms.

Simmons confirmed the werewolf is actually staked to the ground, but if something changes, she will take it down immediately.