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Fossilized Tracks Stolen From Death Valley National Park

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Published Date

March 29, 2017

National Park Service investigators hope to find these men to ask them about the theft of fossilized animal tracks taken from Death Valley National Park/NPS via remote cameras

A $1,000 reward has been posted by the National Park Service for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever stole fossilized tracks from Death Valley National Park.

The tracks, estimated to be 3-5 million years old, where laid down when mammals and birds scampered across a muddy lakeshore that since has turned to rock. Scientists visit the area regularly, photographing and recording the exact location of each footprint. During a recent visit, they discovered the fossils were missing and reported it to park rangers.

Backpackers in the area were photographed and may have witnessed the crime or have information about those responsible. 

“It’s illegal to collect fossils, rocks, or anything else in National Parks,” said Death Valley Superintendent Mike Reynolds. “The purpose of national parks is to conserve the landscape and everything it contains for the next generation. I ask that visitors come and enjoy all there is to see, and to leave it unimpaired for others to enjoy.”

  • Tips can be made via the following means:
  • CALL the ISB Tip Line 888-653-0009
  • TEXT to 202-379-4761
  • ONLINE www.nps.gov/isb and click “Submit a Tip”
  • EMAIL [email protected]
  • MESSAGE via Facebook
  • TWITTER: @InvestigativeServicesNPS or Twitter @SpecialAgentNPS

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Comments

Submitted by Rebecca Latson on March 29, 2017 - 6:34am.

The stupidity, ignorance and rapacity of people never fails to amaze me.


Submitted by WannaMontana on March 29, 2017 - 1:30pm.

I'll contribute extra funds to up this bounty for this!  Respect our amazing lands!


Submitted by Greg on March 29, 2017 - 2:42pm.

I certainly hope they catch em 


Submitted by Steve Pearce on March 29, 2017 - 3:38pm.

I despair of people who do this sort of thing. What are they going to do hang them on the wall? Really hope they are caught and the fossils somehow returned.


Submitted by Mike the Geologist on March 29, 2017 - 4:41pm.

As a geologist, I understand what these low-life criminals have destroyed and stolen. Quite frankly the reward is ridiculously low - it should be $10,000.  Its a pity that someone with a CCW didnt pop these guys. Had I seen them commit this crime, I would have emptied ever round I had on them.  What they have stolen is a national treasure. 

You need to post larger and better images of these perps. Odds are, they are on social media.


Submitted by KB Min on March 29, 2017 - 4:48pm.

I'm with Wanda Montana and the rest ... up the fines for this and other acts of vandalism and theft in the Parks  ... Time to put some real teeth in the enforcement of protecting our Nation's Heritage


Submitted by Lee Crouch on March 29, 2017 - 6:46pm.

I know the Park Service works on a threadbare budget, but I wish they were able to erect Cams near these important sites.
Yes, up the fines and use the proceeds to reinforce enforcement.

 


Submitted by Rick B. on March 29, 2017 - 7:37pm.

I don't really mind much if the malfeasants stumble a couple of times enroute to the squad car, but the more we vent about vigilante justice, in particular involving firearms, the more likely some fool will actually shoot, and all too likely not at the right person.


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