Law enforcement officials are seeking information regarding the installation of climbing bolts at a protected petroglyph site in northeastern Utah. The discovery, made on November 10th at the Pregnant Sheep Petroglyph Panel, has prompted an investigation into the act, which officials are calling vandalism.
The Uintah County Sheriff's Office and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) are jointly asking the public for assistance in identifying those responsible. The site is located near Highway 40's Musket Shot Springs Overlook, approximately 11 miles from Dinosaur National Monument. This area holds significant cultural importance, with similar engravings in southern Utah dated back to around A.D. 1100.
The placement of the climbing bolts has drawn criticism, particularly from Indigenous groups. Autumn Gillard, cultural resource manager for the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah, described such acts as "disrespectful," emphasizing that these sites hold the same sacred significance as religious temples. She further noted the act has caused severe damage.
While the investigation is underway, recent legislation has clarified the legality of climbing anchors, even in wilderness areas. This move has been celebrated by climbing advocacy groups like Access Fund, but they also strongly condemned the vandalism at the petroglyph site. Access Fund Executive Director Heather Thorne emphasized the importance of respecting cultural and sacred sites.
Meanwhile, another incident involving the defacing of a petroglyph near Wire Pass in Kane County, Utah, led to an arrest. According to BLM district manager Harry Barber, the suspect allegedly wrote on the rock formation, resulting in multiple felony counts. That case is still ongoing, but investigators have moved towards criminal charges.
Uintah County officials are now following up on the most recent act, and any leads in the current investigation will be forwarded to federal agents. The BLM is urging the public to come forward with any information that could help identify the person or people responsible for the unauthorized installation of climbing bolts at the ancient petroglyph site.
