Vandals scratched their names across a rock art panel at Big Bend National Park/NPS

An ancient rock art panel at Big Bend National Park sustained what park officials are calling irreparable damage when vandals scratched their names into it.

A park release said the damage occurred December 26 to a panel of ancient petroglyphs in the Indian Head area of the park.

"Vandals chose to boldly scratch their names and the date across the prehistoric art," the release said. "Park managers have seen an increase in vandalism and graffiti in the area, and ask anyone with information about these incidents, or the persons involved, to contact the law enforcement staff of Big Bend National Park."

Big Bend officials could not immediately say Tuesday how old the petroglyphs were, what they depicted, or what culture left them.

Graffiti is vandalism, is costly, and extremely difficult if not impossible to remove. It is also illegal, the park release said. Damaging park resources is a violation of 36 CFR. Rock art and ancient cultural sites are also protected under the Archaeological Resources Protection Act.

"Damaging natural features and rock art destroys the very beauty and history that the American people want to protect in our parks," said Big Bend Superintendent Bob Krumenaker. “With each instance of vandalism, part of our nation's heritage is lost forever."

Since 2015, park archeologists have documented more than 50 instances of vandalism to these priceless sites. If you discover vandalized rock art, don’t attempt to clean it yourself but contact park personnel. Trained staff will attempt to mitigate the damage as quickly as possible, using highly specialized techniques. Staff have already treated the most recent vandalism at Indian Head, but much of the damage is, unfortunately, permanent, park staff said.

Anyone with information about these incidents, or the persons involved, should contact the Big Bend National Park Communication Center at 432-477-1187.