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North America: Feds investigate graffiti at historic Nevada cave
Federal officials are offering a $1,000 reward after someone spray-painted phrases including "I love Rachael" at an archaeological site east of Fallon, Nev.

Feds investigate graffiti at historic Nevada cave
This undated image provided by the Bureau of Land Management shows the vandalized Hidden Cave near Fallon, Nev. Federal officials are offering a $1,000 reward after someone spray-painted phrases at the archaeological site. Public tours to Hidden Cave are temporarily suspended while law enforcement investigates [Credit: AP/Bureau of Land Management]

Officials with the Bureau of Land Management say graffiti was found inside and outside Hidden Cave. Thousands of artifacts have been found at the cave, which archaeologists say was used by humans from 800 to 5,000 years ago.

Authorities say they've also found bullet holes in the informational kiosk and damage to interpretive sites and lighting.

Bureau of Land Management archaeologist Jason Wright says this is the first instance of modern vandalism to the cave, and it is "most disrespectful." He says the act is a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

Public tours to Hidden Cave are temporarily suspended while law enforcement investigates.

Source: The Associated Press [March 13, 2014]