Years ago, 3 employees took a large valve out & placed it near (not on!) Old Faithful. When they felt the rumblings a bit, they turned the crank. Then a bit more, and finally one shouted, “All the way!”. They spun the valve and Old Faithful went shooting up.
They were fired, too.
That is at least good humor.
A “practical joker” deserves applause for his wit
according to its quality.
Bastinado is about right.
For exceptional wit one might grant keelhauling.
But staking him out on an anthill should be
reserved for the very wittiest.
LAZARUS LONG