Do you believe in magic?
You just might after hearing this story.
A strange occurrence in Prescott Basin, Arizona left those in the community scratching their heads.
A local landmark, known as “Wizard Rock” mysteriously disappeared one night in October from its home in Prescott National Forest (PNF). But what’s more interesting is that it was returned one week later on Halloween night.
The boulder is quite noticeable since it is black with swirls of white quartz throughout.
It also weighs one ton! So it isn’t like somebody just walked up to it, threw it in their bag, and left. Nope, this took great determination and dare we say, skill?
PNF trails and wilderness manager, Jason Williams, spoke to The Arizona Republic regarding how somebody would be able to move such a large and heavy item.
“The easy way to do it would be a backhoe. But if you had a trailer positioned properly and didn’t mind beating some things up, you might be able to do it with a Bobcat. But you surely aren’t going to be able to do it any other way.”
Many might wonder, wouldn’t someone find it odd to see a one-ton rock being removed by some sort of excavating equipment? Not quite.
“I think what happens is the general public, if they see somebody working with equipment in the forest, they see the equipment and assume it’s an authorized thing.”
He continued, “It looks professional and they think they must be doing something the forest service has said ‘go ahead’ or even paid for.”
Still, no one has even come forward and said that they saw anything at all.
Taking anything from a national forest, such as PNF, is illegal. The punishment is quite severe. Doing so could result in a maximum fine of $5,000, six months in jail, or both.
This includes plants, rocks, minerals, firewood, trees, etc.
Fortunately for the thief, the park will not further investigate the matter. They are just thrilled that it was returned unharmed.
Sarah Clawson, district ranger for the Bradshaw Ranger District said, “We are thrilled the Wizard Rock was returned, and are grateful that whoever took it was conscientious enough to give it back to the public.”
But this isn’t the only time a beloved landmark has gone missing.
In 2009, an 80-pound heart-shaped rock in Granite Mountain Wilderness was stolen. But after a local newspaper wrote an article regarding the theft, it was returned anonymously. The thief said that they were unaware that it had meant so much to so many people.
Talk about a conscience.
Taking boulders seem to be a recent trend since Wizard Rock is the second boulder stolen from the area within the last four months.
Another boulder that weighed 750-pounds was taken from Dearing Road near Thumb Butte Road.
Clawson said of these incidents, “These boulders belong to the public, and should be enjoyed by locals and visitors for years to come.”
She also stated that she hopes that the reoccurring events could be viewed as “educational” opportunities.
Indeed!
Whenever in doubt just remember what we were all taught during childhood, don’t take what doesn’t belong to you.
We’re relieved to hear that Wizard Rock is back at home and in one huge piece!
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