The Bureau of Land Management has provided more details about the Pregnant Sheep Petroglyph where information on who installed climbing bolts is sought. “This petroglyph panel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is protected under the Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979,” shares the BLM. “The designated boundary of the site encompasses the entire face of the rock containing the panel. As a formally identified cultural site, certain restrictions apply regarding the installation of climbing bolts. The placement of the bolts constitutes an unauthorized alteration of a registered archaeological site.” A BLM archaeologist discovered the bolts during a visit to the site with the Utah State Historic Preservation Office. They were there to set up a Cultural Site Stewardship at the location. Six bolts were discovered during that visit, three on the face directly below the panel and three more on the ledge below the site. Only one bolt has a ring attached to it. On November 21st, a BLM archaeologist along with BLM law enforcement returned to investigate the area further. The BLM and the Uintah County Sheriff’s Office are seeking the public’s help to identify individuals who may have placed the bolts. If you have any information, please call (801) 539-4099.
