The statue in Bruin Square had been covered but was vandalized some time between 10 p.m. Tuesday and 6 a.m. today, said Phil Hampton of UCLA.

Since Monday, the statue had been covered by a protective tarpaulin for the traditional "rivalry week" that precedes the annual football game, Hampton said. The tarp was cut by the vandal or vandals, Hampton said. Crews were working to remove the paint.

The case was being investigated as a felony vandalism, Hampton said.

At USC, the Tommy Trojan statue was under wraps and being guarded by students.