VANDALS STRIKE AGAIN

What possesses people to ruin age-old petroglyphs in the Southwest? Its hard to imagine.

As many as 35 shots were fired at ancient petroglyphs on rock panels near Fillmore (Utah, USA), and federal officials say the damage is irreparable. The petroglyph vandalism was discovered by a group of contractors taking inventory of archaeological sites in the area. The rock art is believed to be thousands of years old and had been untouched until May 2007, the BLM said.
The area is popular, BLM archaeologist Misti Haines said. "These are things the Boy Scouts like to come out and visit. We have some very passionate volunteer groups, they come out to our area almost every year. They help us record these sites," she said. However, the BLM will take steps to make the damage less apparent. A professional rock art conservator will be 'inpainting' the damaged panels.
The BLM is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the vandals. Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-722-3998 or 435-743-3100.