Rock Art Vandalism: Collecting or Damaging Artifacts on Public Land is Illegal
CODY, Wyo. — The Bureau of Land Management is investigating recent acts of vandalism at six Native American rock art sites in the Bighorn Basin. One site suffered significant damage after a bonfire was lit directly beneath a rock art panel, resulting in discoloration, cracking, and the loss of rock fragments. Additionally, the same panel and several others have been defaced with names and phrases scratched onto and around the petroglyphs. Multiple sites have also sustained damage from gunfire.
The damage to these historic and prehistoric rock art sites is irreparable. Each of these sites is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places and is protected under the Archaeological Resources Protection Act.
The BLM would like to remind public land users that any collection or damage of any artifact over 50 years old is illegal, including damaging petroglyphs and rock art sites. Violations may result in criminal charges, including felonies, and can also be pursued through civil actions.
“This intentional damage takes away future generations’ ability to view this part of our human history and to study these sites” said Karina Black, archeologist with the Cody Field Office. BLM encourages any additional information from the public regarding these recent acts of vandalism be reported to the Cody Field Office.
Individuals who witness vandalism, artifact theft or suspicious activity on public lands should report it as soon as possible. Tips can be made to the Cody Field Office at 307-578-5900 or local county law enforcement.
Historic sites on public lands are shared resources intended for everyone to enjoy. Visitors are encouraged to recreate responsibly, leave artifacts where they are found and help protect Wyoming’s shared cultural heritage.
The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.