An article by Judy Keen in USA Today identifies an increasing trend in the theft of relics in US National Parks. Relic thieves range from students that find historical artifacts and save them for further study to black market profiteers looking to make money through online sales.
Photo Credit: Mesa Verde Artifact Gallery
The problem seems to be getting out of control. In two National Military Parks in Virginia 460 holes were dug and Civil War artifacts were taken from the boundaries.
"With a million visitors coming every year, it's very hard to stop," says Mark Gorman, Badlands' chief ranger. "Has it increased over the past few years? Absolutely." Six permanent rangers patrol the park. Last year, they investigated 41 looting reports and made nine arrests. He assumes that represents a fraction of the real number of thefts.
While some of the examples provided in the article are extreme, I can see how it would be easy for a regular visitor (I'm thinking of myself with the kids here) to get caught up in "explorer" mode and actually do great damage with educational intentions.
I suppose that is why it is a good idea to periodically review those Leave no Trace principals.