A shocking billboard in Las Vegas adorned with the words “dying for work” and a mannequin dangling from a noose will be removed after motorists thought the dummy was a real person.

Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Jeremie Elliott said the agency began receiving reports of the black billboard with white lettering along Interstate 15 near Bonanza Road at about 6:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Elliott told The Associated Press the billboard appears to be a publicity stunt and it's unclear who's responsible. The billboard space appears to belong to Lamar Advertising, Fox5Vegas.com reports. Representatives from the company said the billboard was an act of vandalism.

Authorities are now focused on removing the billboard so it doesn’t distract drivers, Elliot said.

An investigation into the incident — if any — will be handled by the Las Vegas Metro Police, the Nevada Department of Transportation said.

Another billboard on South Highland Avenue was later spotted with a hanging mannequin and the words "hope you're happy Wall St.," Fox5Vegas.com reports. It's unclear what is being done about that billboard, the website reports.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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