Authorities in Utah are urging the community to assist in identifying those responsible for the recent vandalism of a petroglyph panel, which was marred by the illegal installation of climbing bolts.

The bolts were discovered to the east of Jensen in Uintah County on a rock face known as the Pregnant Sheep panel, as reported by KSL-TV. A photo shared by the Bureau of Land Management on social media showcases the climbing equipment affixed to the rock, positioned beneath a depiction of a person alongside an animal.

The incident was first brought to the agency’s attention on November 10. Following a thorough investigation that yielded no new leads, both the Bureau and the Uintah County Sheriff’s Office have appealed to the public for assistance. Individuals who may have information regarding this act of vandalism are encouraged to reach out to the bureau’s law enforcement division.

While the exact age of the petroglyph remains uncertain, the state of Utah is home to numerous ancient rock carvings that are safeguarded by various state and federal legislations, including the Archeological Resource Protection Act.

The Pregnant Sheep panel is situated in northeastern Utah, near the Musket Shot Springs Overlook. This is not the first time such vandalism has occurred in the region; in 2021, climbing bolts were also discovered on ancient rock art close to Moab. Although those bolts were removed, archaeologists noted that the petroglyph sustained irreversible damage from the incident.