“Wizard Rock,” a famous one-ton black boulder in Prescott National Forest, Arizona, has mysteriously vanished, according to authorities.
The swirly boulder went missing from its roadside spot roughly 14 days ago and park officials believe it may have been stolen, Newsweek reported. Removing this rock is not an easy task though, heavy machinery was most likely needed to get the job done, The Arizona Republic noted.
“The easy way to do it would be a back hoe. But, if you had a trailer positioned properly and didn’t mind beating some things up you might be able to do it with a Bobcat,” Trails and Wilderness Manager Jason Williams told The Republic. “But you surely aren’t going to be able to do it any other way.”
Williams also explained how people may have not questioned the incident, since conservation and forest workers frequent the area.
“I think what happens is the general public, if they see somebody working with equipment in the forest, they see the equipment and assume it’s an authorized thing,” Williams added. “It looks professional and they think they must be doing something the forest service has said ‘go ahead’ or even paid for.”
Wizard Rock is known for its striking features: The boulder has white quartz running through it, giving it a swirl-like appearance. It was a popular landmark to drivers on State Route 89, who were passing by White Spar Road in Prescott.
“It’s unfortunate when we lose a treasure such as the Wizard Rock,” Sarah Clawson, a district ranger for the Bradshaw Ranger District, said in a statement. “Our hope is that it will be returned to us, and these recent recurring events will become an educational opportunity.”
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), removing minerals from National Forest lands without a valid permit is against the law and a violation may result in a maximum fine of $5,000, a six-month jail sentence, or both.
If anyone has information about the Wizard Rock’s disappearance, they can call 928-443-8110.
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