Pictograph of an Elk at Nine Mile Canyon. These images were created by Native Americans on exposures of Mesa Verde Group sandstone. They are the work of Fremont people and are probably 700-1500 years old. The painted warning has been widely cited as a horrible example of vandalism of native rock art. But the full story is more complicated. The damage is actually the result of an accident caused by inadequate communication and poor judgement. This pictograph is in Rasmussen Cave, on private land only 30 feet beyond BLM land. The cave, which was occupied by native people for many hundreds of years, has often been pillaged in modern times by relic hunters. In the late 1960s, the land owner told teenagers working for him to post some "no trespassing" signs around the cave. This is what they did -- to the great regret of the property owner. The land has changed hands several times since then. It is now owned by the Bill Barrett Corp., an oil and gas company based in Denver. There is a possiblity that the site eventually may pass to public ownership. BLM archeologists believe the damage is superficial and the pictograph could be adequately restored. BLM Nine Mile Canyon area. Duchesne Co., Utah.