The bronze sculpture, "Charging Bull," long a tourist favorite and Wall Street symbol, was found Saturday morning turned around 180 degrees and placed 15 to 20 feet away from its usual spot.

But the 7,000-pound statue, crafted by artist Arturo Di Modica, wasn't targeted by thieves or pranksters.

It's believed a contractor hoisting an air-conditioning or ventilation unit onto the rooftop of a nearby building moved the statue to avoid damaging it, said New York City Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe.

"We're pleased to learn it wasn't cattle rustling or a fraternity prank," Benepe said.

The contractor, who never admitted moving the statue, lifted "Charging Bull" back into its proper position hours later, Benepe said. Benepe isn't going to press the issue concerning the sculpture being moved without permission.

"As they say in basketball, no harm, no foul," he said.

The statue, still technically a "temporary" art instillation, was first seen in December 1989, when Di Modica and friends trucked it over to the New York Stock Exchange and placed it as a Christmas gift to New Yorkers.

Police and exchange officials didn't take kindly to the gesture and had it removed. Soon after, the sculpture was given a home at Bowling Green.