The National Park Service is seeking the public’s help in identifying two men who were caught on camera toppling an ancient natural rock formation at Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Nevada. The shocking incident, which was captured on video and posted online, shows the men pushing the large red rocks while a young girl can be heard yelling in the background.
The National Park Service is urging anyone with information about the “vandalism suspects” to come forward by calling or texting the National Park Service-wide Tip Line at 888-653-0009, submitting a tip online, or emailing nps_isb@nps.gov. Lake Mead National Recreation Area, a 2,338 square mile park along the Colorado River, is home to the stunning sandstone formations on the Redstone Trail, which have been shaped over millions of years by geological forces.
John Haynes, the public information officer for Lake Mead National Recreation Area, expressed his disbelief at the vandalism, calling it a “personal attack.” Vandalism in national parks is unfortunately not uncommon, but the brazen nature of this incident has shocked officials.
The U.S. National Park Service condemns such destructive behaviors, noting that disturbing wildlife or damaging natural formations can have serious consequences. In 2021, vandals at Big Bend National Park in Texas defaced ancient rock art with their names and dates, causing irreparable damage.
As the search for the perpetrators continues, the National Park Service is reminding visitors to respect and protect these treasured natural and cultural resources for future generations.
