(IMAGN) Petroglyphs carved into a rock in Arches National Park as seen on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
BISHOP, CALIFORNIA – Authorities are seeking information on individuals who desecrated ancient tribal rock carvings at the Volcanic Tableland near Bishop, California. The protected petroglyphs, created by the Paiute-Shoshone people long before European settlers arrived in the American West, are considered irreplaceable cultural artifacts.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) confirmed that three petroglyphs were recently vandalized. These carvings, etched into the Bishop Tuff—a unique volcanic rock plateau formed more than 700,000 years ago—depict human figures, bighorn sheep, and, in one case, a miner swinging a pickax.
“Those responsible have destroyed an irreplaceable part of our national cultural heritage,” said BLM Bishop Field Manager Sherri Lisius. “We have increased surveillance of our sites and are determined to bring the responsible parties to justice.”
To aid in the investigation, the BLM is offering a $1,500 reward for information leading to those responsible.
This is not the first instance of vandalism at the site. In 2012, individuals used electric generators and power saws to cut away large sections of rock containing numerous petroglyphs. Those stolen pieces were eventually recovered thanks to an anonymous tip, but the perpetrators were never identified.
The exact locations of the rock art, located miles north of Bishop, are often kept secret to prevent further damage. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is protected under the Archaeological Resources Protection Act, which imposes felony charges, fines, and possible prison time for violations.
Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the BLM Bishop Field Office.
