The model puffin was understood to be damaged by vandals wielding red spray paint last night.
Standing at around 5ft tall, the model puffin is situated outside the Bayle Museum and the Bull and Sun pub in the Old Town of Bridlington.
Entitled Stories of the Coast, the model seabird is one of 42 dotted around the coastal and some town areas of the East Riding.
Artwork on the puffin was undertaken by artist Kelly Hambly and depicts dockers of Hull, trawlers and The Fisher Girls.
Red spray paint was daubed over the model puffin yesterday evening, but it is hoped the anti graffiti varnish will mean the spray can be removed without damaging the original artwork.
The team at Puffins Galore have made arrangements to clean and restore the puffin and CCTV is being checked for the culprits.
