Climbers hammer bolts into the rock face - and ruin an ancient rock painting!

Uintah County (USA) - Their climbing left permanent damage: Authorities are searching for people who hammered climbing bolts at the site of an ancient rock engraving in the US state of Utah .

Climbing bolts on a petroglyph panel in the US state of Utah. Authorities are now searching for the perpetrators.
Climbing bolts on a petroglyph panel in the US state of Utah. Authorities are now searching for the perpetrators.  © Facebook/Uintah County Sheriff's Office

As the police recently announced, it was discovered on November 10 (local time) that unknown persons had struck the bolts on a petroglyph tablet, a stone carving called "Pregnant Sheep". It is located near the Musket Shot Springs Scenic Overlook in north-eastern Utah.

As the US broadcaster KSL News reported, the age of the plaque is unclear. However, there are petrogylphs in Utah that were left behind by indigenous people hundreds to thousands of years ago. According to the Utah Museum of Natural History, scientist Joel Pederson has attributed elements with similar engravings to the year 1100.

According to the media report, the extent of the damage is difficult to quantify. According to experts, however, such damage is often difficult to repair completely.

Climbing enthusiasts should take care not to leave any permanent damage to the environment. (symbolic photo)
Climbing enthusiasts should take care not to leave any permanent damage to the environment. (symbolic photo)  © 123RF/herraez

In Germany too, athletesshould find out in advance how climbing can be done in an environmentally friendly way - and without causing permanent damage to the environment. The German Alpine Association, for example, provides information on existing regulations on its website.