Cactus In Saguaro National Park Vandalized By Gunshots
Saguaro National Park near Tucson wants the public’s help to find out who vandalized a cactus. The saguaro appeared to have been shot multiple times.
On Oct. 4, a park science crew discovered the saguaro, which was estimated to be 100 to 150 years old.
Chief Ranger Ray O’Neil said the crew found shotgun casings on the ground, adding that the saguaro may have been shot up to 14 times. O’Neil was upset about this latest incident, which carries a steep penalty with a fine of up to $5,000, and even jail time.
"And to have somebody for no good reason, for no reason whatsoever, shoot a cactus multiple times probably killing it, it’s unacceptable it goes against the reason that our national park was created," O'Neil said.
The shells have been collected for evidence and sent for forensic testing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the National Park Service Investigative Services.
