Rangers investigating 'archeological theft' at Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park rangers are investigating “an archeological theft incident” involving two park visitors at one of the Utah park’s historic cowboy campsites, according to an NPS press release last week.

The incident took place at the Cave Spring Cowboy Camp, a cave-like shelter where cowboys would stay with their cattle from the late 1800s until 1975 when cattle ranching inside the park became prohibited. Cave Spring had a reliable water source, which was vital to cattlemen in the isolated desert region.

According to a video recording, the individuals entered the area, which is marked closed with a sign, on March 23 and took artifacts from a cabinet. The release said the thieves also “handled historic harnesses in a manner that had potential to damage them.”

Canyonlands National Park did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for comment.

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The artifacts at the camp are the original items used by the cowboys, such as cookware.

The park’s website asks visitors, “please do not enter the camp, touch, or remove the objects.”

In still images of the recording released by NPS, one individual is seen holding up an object and the other is sitting in one of the chairs.

“National parks are some of the most special, treasured, and protected areas of our country,” NPS said. “To protect their natural and cultural resources for this and future generations, all visitors to national parks are expected to follow park laws and regulations and practice Leave No Trace principles to minimize their impact on park lands.”

In Jan. 2023, a man stole a replica of a mahiole, a traditional helmet worn by Hawaiian chiefs, worth more than $30,000 from a historic hotel in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

NPS is asking the public to share any information they have related to the Canyonlands incident through the NPS Tip Line at 888-653-0009 or website.

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at kwong@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NPS investigating 'archeological theft' at Canyonlands National Park