On December 26th, a panel of ancient petroglyphs in the Indian Head area of Big Bend National Park was irreparably damaged when vandals chose to boldly scratch their names and the date across the prehistoric art. Park managers have seen an increase in vandalism and graffiti in the area, and ask anyone with information about these incidents, or the persons involved, to contact the law enforcement staff of Big Bend National Park.
According to the New York Times, the vandalized rock art is believed to date between 3,000 and 8,000 years ago. It is one of the oldest examples of petroglyphs in North America.
Big Bend National Park belongs to all of us. Damaging natural features and rock art destroys the very beauty and history that the American people want to protect in our parks.
Bob Krumenaker, Big Bend National Park Superintendent said in a statement
National Parks are treasured lands and protect our national heritage. Graffiti is vandalism, is costly, and extremely difficult if not impossible to remove. It is also illegal. Damaging park resources is a violation of 36 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations). According to the Texas Monthly, well-meaning visitors attempted to clean the rocks and rubbed water on the piece, but only made it worse.
Rock art and ancient cultural sites are also protected under the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA). The writing reads “Isaac + Ariel 12-26-21” as well as “Norma Adrian 2021” across the prehistoric art.
With each instance of vandalism, part of our Nation’s heritage is lost forever.
Bob Krumenaker, Big Bend National Park Superintendent
Since 2015, park archeologists have documented over fifty instances of vandalism to these priceless sites. If you discover vandalized rock art, please don’t attempt to clean it yourself. Trained staff will attempt to mitigate the damage as quickly as possible, using highly specialized techniques. Staff have already treated the most recent vandalism at Indian Head, but much of the damage is, unfortunately, permanent.
Another example of vandalism occurred in August 2020, when large blue squares were painted on sandstone in Zion National Park, and in October 2020, people cut down eight saguaro cacti in Saguaro National Park.
