Vandals Deface Ancient Petroglyphs at Two Moab Sites

The Bureau of Land Management is investigating two acts of vandalism at prehistoric rock-art sites near Moab, Utah, and is asking the public to help identify those responsible. Names were carved beside petroglyphs at the Bear Panel along Highway 279 and across figures near the Hell’s Revenge off-road trail. The panels are ancient and culturally significant to Indigenous communities, and officials say the damage cannot simply be undone. Attempts to remove the graffiti could further harm the fragile rock and original carvings. The sites are protected under federal law, which can carry fines, imprisonment, and exclusion from public lands.