Take care in Nanaimo: 11-09-2008
Travellers in Canada should be aware that dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) have been damaging Aboriginal artefacts in the Nanaimo area of British Colombia.
The area is popular with bikers and hikers, but they could be unwittingly destroying part of the nation's history, according to the Archaeology Society of British Colombia (ASBC).
Travellers should take care when hiking in the area after petroglyphs were damaged near Harewood Mines Road.
A barrier may even soon be put in place to protect the artefacts, but ASBC president Julie Cowie said that it will take a conscious effort to protect the relics.
"It really comes down to the individual, you can educate them as much as you want but it comes down to if they care," she told Canada.com.
Ms Cowie is keen to highlight the problem but is also concerned that in doing so she may open a new can of worms, with tourists flocking to see the petroglyphs.
Those with an interest in petroglyphs may wish to visit the Petroglyph Provincial Park, but should still take care by not straying from paths in case they damage relics.