BAR HARBOR, Maine — The National Park Service is investigating a series of graffiti vandalism incidents along hiking trails in Acadia National Park.
The vandalism primarily consists of "red blazes spray painted on trees, rocks, and cairns" along Spring, South Ridge Penobscot, Penobscot East, and Deer Brook hiking trails, according to a news release from the NPS.
Amanda Pollock, public affairs officer for Acadia National Park, said there are nearly 100 markings in a two-mile stretch of trails.
Pollock said the red markings could create confusion for trail visitors who rely on blue markings along hiking trails for directions.
"We've already seen evidence of people starting to follow some of these, what appear to be, red trail blazes. There's evidence of people creating what we would call 'social trails' where we start to see grass and bushes and other natural resources being trampled down, so it looks like it's a safe place to walk, but that's not necessarily true," Pollock said.
"In addition to the red paint damaging park resources, it encourages visitors who might not be familiar with these trails to embark on potentially dangerous routes," the release stated.
Pollock said crews are working to clean up these markings as they continue to investigate these incidents.
"It's a travesty that something like this could happen in the park, but we're working really hard to make sure we can resolve this issue and keep Acadia a wonderful place to visit... People across the state, people across the country come to be able to reconnect with themselves and reconnect with nature and we want to be able to maintain that landscape for everybody," Pollock said.
The NPS is asking anyone with information regarding the incidents to submit an anonymous tip or call 207-288-8791.