Whether you're looking for pretty painted rocks or Pokemon characters Pikachu or Charizard, state officials are urging Mid-Missouri groups frequently visiting the state Capitol grounds to be safe.
JC Rocks, a group that paints rocks for people to hide and find around town, leaves the rocks around the Capitol. Concerns were raised on the group's Facebook page that the rocks cannot be placed on Capitol grounds, but Ryan Burns, spokesperson with Office of Administration, said they are not banned.
A post to the Facebook group advises rock enthusiasts not to hide rocks in the grass on the Capitol grounds for the safety of those mowing.
Players of the new smartphone game "Pokemon Go" also have been on the Capitol grounds often, sometimes until the early morning hours, since the game was released last week. There are several "Pokestops" - places to collect items for the game - set up around the Capitol, and it's a hot spot to catch Pokemon.
"The safety of visitors to the State Capitol is of the utmost importance, as is the maintenance and preservation of the grounds, facilities and historical artifacts," Burns said. "We encourage visitors to enjoy their time at the Capitol while remaining respectful and mindful of their surroundings.
"That being said, we are pleased that we have willing and able-bodied volunteers going out to capture and maintain all of the Psyduck, Clefairy and other Pokemon that are inhabiting the Capitol building and grounds."
Capitol Police and the Department of Public Safety (DPS) also encourage visitors to remain safe.
"We would just recommend that players exercise common sense and caution, be aware of their surroundings, never play while driving, and when playing after dark or going into secluded spots that you are not familiar with, go with someone else, not alone," said Mike O'Connell, spokesperson for DPS. "As in all cases of working with a handheld device, players should watch where they're going to avoid any physical injuries."