Canyonlands National Park rangers are investigating an “archaeological theft incident” involving two park visitors at one of the park’s historic cowboy campgrounds in Utah, according to a National Park Service press release last week.
The incident happened at Cave Spring Cowboy Camp, a cave-like shelter where cowboys stayed with their cattle from the late 1800s until cattle were banned in the park in 1975. Cave Spring provided a reliable source of water, essential for cattlemen in the isolated desert area.
Video footage showed the thieves entered an area marked off-limits by signs on March 23 and stole artifacts from the cabinet. The thieves “handled historic horse equipment in a manner that could have caused damage,” the release said.
Canyonlands National Park did not immediately respond to USA Today’s request for comment.
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The artifacts at the camp are actual items used by cowboys, including cooking utensils.
The park’s website urges visitors “not to enter campsites or touch or take anything.”
A still image from the recording released by the NPS shows one person lifting an object while the other sits in a chair.
“National parks are among our nation’s most special, cherished and protected areas,” the National Park Service said. “To protect our natural and cultural resources for present and future generations, all visitors to national parks are expected to abide by park laws and regulations, practice Leave No Trace principles, and minimize their impact on park lands.”
In January 2023, a man stole a replica mahiole, a traditional helmet worn by Hawaiian chiefs, valued at more than $30,000, from a historic hotel in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
The NPS encourages the public to share information about the Canyonlands incident through the NPS Tip Line at 888-653-0009 or through its website.
Kathleen Wong is a Hawaii-based travel writer for USA Today. She can be reached at kwong@usatoday.com..
