The Bureau of Land Management is investigating graffiti discovered last month on iconic petroglyphs in the San Rafael Swell in southern Utah.
Law enforcement on Jan. 17 found “Silvia P.” scrawled across four iconic petroglyphs of bighorn sheep carved by Indigenous people as long as 3,000 years ago at the Buckhorn Draw Pictograph Panel about 15 miles east of Castle Dale. The prehistoric cultural resource is protected under the Archaeological Resources Protection Act.
The vandalism caused permanent damage to the site, according to the BLM.
The Buckhorn Wash panel is one the most spectacular examples of Barrier Canyon style rock art, according to the BLM. The site includes both pictographs and petroglyphs.
“Vandalizing archaeological sites erases the stories of our past and denies future generations the experience of viewing our great nation’s history in person,” Nicholas Lafazio, BLM Price Field Office manager, said in a press release.
“It is critical that we work together as a community to prevent these destructive acts. This unique site attracts visitors from around the world to Emery County and is a vital part of Utah’s cultural heritage.”
The BLM urges anyone with information about the vandalism to contact the Price Field Office law enforcement at 125 S. 600 West, in Price, or call 435-636-3600.