TUCSON, AZ — Authorities are looking for those who vandalized multiple saguaro cacti at the Saguaro National Park.
Park rangers are seeking information about the incident that happened sometime around October 3 in the Scenic Drive area of the park's west district.
Law Enforcement Rangers received a report that multiple saguaro cacti were cut down along the Scenic Trail.
Rangers responded and found eight saguaros ranging in height from 1ft to 10ft tall slashed or cut down.
“All plants, animals, and resources in the national park are protected,” according to Superintendent Leah McGinnis. “Damage to saguaro cacti is especially disheartening because they are the reason for the park’s establishment”.
“Saguaro cacti grow very slowly and hold special significance to the people who live here. A 10-foot cactus could easily be 100 years old and it was killed in a senseless act of vandalism”, added Superintendent McGinnis.
If anyone has visited the Scenic Trail, Passey Loop Trails, or the Scenic Drive Trailhead around October 3rd, and might have information about this incident please contact the National Park Service, Investigative Services Branch Tipline 888-653-0009, email nps_isb@nps.gov, or submit a tip [nps.gov] online.
