Nine cacti at Saguaro National Park’s west district in Tucson have been slashed or cut down in an act of vandalism, according to park rangers.
The park initially reported that eight saguaros were damaged, but has revised that number to nine. The vandals damaged other saguaros, but they may recover.
“It’s unfortunate that a cactus that could be over a hundred years old was killed in a senseless act of vandalism and we’re really hoping that folks in Arizona can help us understand what happened,” said Andy Fisher, a spokeswoman for the park.
They said the slow-growing cactuses were damaged around Oct. 3 and left along the Scenic Trail.
The saguaros ranged in height from 1-10 feet.
“All plants, animals, and resources in the national park are protected,” said Superintendent Leah McGinnis in a press release. “Damage to saguaro cacti is especially disheartening because they are the reason for the park’s establishment. Saguaro cacti grow very slowly and hold special significance to the people who live here. A 10-foot cactus could easily be 100 years old, and it was killed in a senseless act of vandalism."
Rangers would like to hear from anyone who visited the Scenic Trail, Passey Loop Trails or the Scenic Drive Trailhead around Oct. 3 and might have information about the incident. Contact the National Park Service, Investigative Services Branch Tipline at 888-653-0009.
