Environment Planet Earth Maine Rangers Battle Rock Thieves By Shea Gunther Writer University of New Hampshire Rochester Institute of Technology University of Southern Maine Shea Gunther is a writer, entrepreneur, and podcaster living in Portland, Maine. He covers topics such as renewable energy, climate change, and nature. our editorial process Shea Gunther Updated February 04, 2020 Who could resist stealing these cute little rocks?. (Photo: Jim Lukach [CC BY 2.0]/Flickr) Share Twitter Pinterest Email Planet Earth Conservation Weather Outdoors Of all the things you can steal in life, big heavy rocks are probably one of the more difficult to get away with, at least when you're being chased down by Johnny Law. Rangers at Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, Maine are cracking down on people who steal rocks from the parks trails and beaches. The area is known for its beautiful views, gorgeous seascapes, and smooth, cobblestone-like rocks. Over the past few years there have been dozens of people caught trying to pilfer those rocks for souvenirs or to use in building projects. Others have gotten in trouble, usually receiving a good stern warning, for disturbing the rocks to build cairns. The issue got so bad that a few years ago the airport serving the region had problems with carryon bags stuffed with heavy rocks. So be warned, the rock cops are out there and they don't take lightly to outsiders coming in and mucking up their stones. When you hike in Acadia (heck, when you hike anywhere), don't leave anything but footprints and only take memories and photographs. Leave the rocks alone. [New York Times]