(CNN) — A panel of prehistoric stone artworks, thought to be between 4,000 and 8,500 years old, have been "irreparably damaged" by vandals at Big Bend National Park in Texas, the US National Park Service has said. The names Norma, Adrian, Isaac and Ariel and the date 12/26/21 are visible in images of the defaced rock. The Big Bend National Park in Texas is a "prime example" of a Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem. "Damaging natural features and rock art destroys the very beauty and history that the American people want to protect in our parks," Bob Krumenaker, superintendent of Big Bend National Park, said in the release. Every site damaged is a loss to the history and heritage that National Parks protects."

Source: CNN January 08, 2022 12:35 UTC