The US federal Bureau of Land Management says an ancient petroglyph has been chiseled from the face of a sandstone cliff in northern Arizona (USA). BLM officials announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to the culprit's arrest and conviction. Agency spokeswoman Carrie Templin says the theft happened in the Cottonwood Point Wilderness Area near Colorado City between April and Sept. 7. The etching depicts a human figure with two arms and one leg. Templin says it appears the thieves were able to remove the petroglyph intact. Removing or damaging an archaeological site is a federal offense punishable by up to five years in prison. Anyone with information is asked to contact the BLM's law enforcement office at (623) 580-5515.

Sources: Associated Press, KVOA News (24 September 2008)