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Federal land managers in Utah are searching for those responsible for vandalizing two sites containing ancient petroglyphs near Moab. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Utah confirmed that crude carvings now scar the protected rock art, including a signature reading “Craig W” and another less distinct marking.
Two Sites Targeted Near Moab
Vandals struck at two separate locations. One site sits along Highway 279, a scenic road that runs parallel to the Colorado River. The other is near Hell’s Revenge, a popular off-road slickrock trail. Photos taken by the BLM and first published by SF Gate show clear damage to the rock face. In one image, an investigator measures large letters spelling “Craig W” carved directly over a petroglyph depicting animals.
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The BLM described the damaged works as “irreplaceable cultural resources” protected under the Archaeological Resources Protection Act. “Our cultural resources are part of our shared heritage,” the agency stated. “Once damaged, they cannot be restored to their original condition.”
A Pattern of Vandalism Across the Country
Unfortunately, the Moab petroglyphs are not an isolated case. Ancient rock art across the United States faces repeated acts of criminal damage. In 2021, vandals defaced a series of sacred 300-year-old petroglyphs along Hawaiian cliffs using a paintball gun. That incident was one of several targeting similar artworks around the same period.
In Bishop, California, petroglyphs at the Volcanic Tableland tell a similar story. The Paiute-Shoshone carved these images into rock long before European colonization. However, criminals have repeatedly targeted the site. In one particularly serious case, thieves used power saws to cut away large sections of rock containing the carvings. The BLM later recovered the stolen petroglyph, though the suspects were never caught.
These incidents also come amid broader concerns about government rollbacks of protections for cultural heritage sites, adding further pressure on already vulnerable resources.
Public Outrage and a Call for Protection
The BLM urged visitors to respect these sites and help preserve them for future generations. Meanwhile, public reaction to such acts of vandalism has been fierce. Commenting on a similar case, one user on the r/California subreddit wrote: “The minimum sentence for this crime should be life without parole. If you disrespect historical artifacts of great significance you should be labeled an enemy of the public. Zero tolerance.”
The BLM has not announced any arrests in connection with the Moab petroglyph vandalism. The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information about the incidents is encouraged to contact the agency.
