Utah investigating rock art graffiti looking at Ohio State University connection

SALT LAKE CITY – Authorities in Utah say they are investigating whether students from Ohio State University scrawled signatures on ancient rock art.

National Forest Service archaeologist Charmaine Thompson said Thursday that the graffiti was made on top of rock paintings that are at least 700 years old.

The black lettering was found on a large rock in a remote area in the Manti-La Sal National Forest, about 100 miles south of Salt Lake City.

Investigators are looking at an Ohio State connection because the signatures are paired with the letters OSU and may have come during a geology trip in July.

Thompson says the paintings aren't immediately visible, and authorities want to raise awareness. But the vandals could also face charges.

Ohio State officials could not immediately be reached for comment, but they told KSL-TV that they are looking into the incident.