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Internet Wants To Track Down Vandals Spotted Destroying Ancient Rock Formation In National Park
Internet Wants To Track Down Vandals Spotted Destroying Ancient Rock Formation In National Park
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Internet Wants To Track Down Vandals Spotted Destroying Ancient Rock Formation In National Park

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Two men at Lake Mead National Recreation Area were captured on video destroying federally protected ancient rock formations. Now, authorities are seeking the public’s help in identifying the vandals.

The U.S. national recreation area is located in southeastern Nevada and northwestern Arizona.

A viral video taken by a witness shows the two suspects shoving wide slabs of sandstone to the ground at the park’s Redstone Dune Trail on the evening of April 7.

Highlights
  • Two men were recorded destroying ancient rock formations in Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
  • The area's rock formations were shaped over time out of 140 million-year-old sand dunes.
  • Authorities are seeking public help to identify the vandals; potential penalties include jail time and a $5,000 fine.

“He’s gonna fall,” someone who recorded the incident from a distance said as he watched the suspects turn the stones to dust.

BP Daily - Your Source for Unbiased Reporting

    Image credits: Pexels/Davyd Bortnik

    One of the men’s daughters, who had also scaled the towering rock formations, appeared to watch the incident from behind.

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    “Why on earth would you do this to this area that’s so beautiful? It’s one of my favorite places in the park, and they’re up there just destroying it. I don’t understand that,” recreation area spokesperson John Haynes told CNN affiliate KVVU.

    The vast recreation area, which spans 1.5 million acres, attracts 6 million annual visitors who come to see its stunning mountain views, canyon trails, and two vital reservoirs. Its rock formations were shaped over time out of 140 million-year-old sand dunes.

    The federally protected rock formations were shaped over time out of 140 million-year-old sand dunes

    Image credits: touronsofyellowstone

    Park rangers urged anyone who was on the trail at the time or who may have information about the suspects to submit a tip.

    Haynes told KVVU that the two men who are suspected of vandalism could face federal charges, six months of jail time, or a $5,000 fine if caught.

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    Park rangers urged anyone who may have information about the suspects to submit a tip

    Image credits: touronsofyellowstone

    Watch the video of the incident below

    “It is 1.5 million acres. We have two big lakes and a chunk of the Colorado River. It gets pretty difficult, based on our staff levels, to be everywhere all at once,” said Haynes. Therefore, anyone who witnesses any acts of vandalism inside the park is encouraged to record the incident and report it to the authorities. 

    “You don’t have to engage people. Many people don’t feel safe engaging others out there, and that’s OK. It’s really important to let us know,” Haynes added.

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    Bored Panda has contacted Lake Mead National Recreation Area for comment.

    People called for stricter laws to discourage this type of behavior

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    Marina Urman

    Marina Urman

    Writer, Entertainment News Writer

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    With a degree in social science and a love for culture, I approach entertainment journalism at Bored Panda with a research-driven mindset. I write about celebrity news, Hollywood highlights, and viral stories that spark curiosity worldwide. My work has reached millions of readers and is recognized for balancing accuracy with an engaging voice. I believe that pop culture isn’t just entertainment, it reflects the social conversations shaping our time.

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    Marina Urman

    Marina Urman

    Writer, Entertainment News Writer

    With a degree in social science and a love for culture, I approach entertainment journalism at Bored Panda with a research-driven mindset. I write about celebrity news, Hollywood highlights, and viral stories that spark curiosity worldwide. My work has reached millions of readers and is recognized for balancing accuracy with an engaging voice. I believe that pop culture isn’t just entertainment, it reflects the social conversations shaping our time.

    What do you think ?
    Anyone-for-tea?
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What on earth possessed them to climb up there, with a child, to then wilfully destroy an ancient rock formation? I would also send them on mandatory geology lessons for at least a week with an exam at the end. At their own cost.

    Jan Rosier
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sadly, failed attempt at winning the Darwin Award.

    Dragons Exist
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The only time I'm sad that the àssholes didn't win an award

    Load More Replies...
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    Verena
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    $5.000 is cheap. Maybe they would like to apply for a job by another crew who destroyed stone structures. In the middle east, same climate.

    Load More Comments
    Anyone-for-tea?
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What on earth possessed them to climb up there, with a child, to then wilfully destroy an ancient rock formation? I would also send them on mandatory geology lessons for at least a week with an exam at the end. At their own cost.

    Jan Rosier
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sadly, failed attempt at winning the Darwin Award.

    Dragons Exist
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The only time I'm sad that the àssholes didn't win an award

    Load More Replies...
    ADVERTISEMENT
    Verena
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    $5.000 is cheap. Maybe they would like to apply for a job by another crew who destroyed stone structures. In the middle east, same climate.

    Load More Comments
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