Men accused of digging up dinosaur tracks in Holyoke were charged with vandalism, trespassing and an archeological violation.
On Saturday afternoon, Holyoke officers found Jack Boyland, 30 of Alpha, N.J. and Stephan Miller, 41 of Middleton, Conn. walking up the stairs at the site carrying out rocks and tools, Holyoke Police Capt. Matthew Moriarty said.
Digging at the reservation area is not allowed.
The men claimed to have donated archaeological items to schools and science communities in the past, Moriarty said, but these claims are unverified.
The reservation area can be found between Route 5 and the Connecticut River in Holyoke and contains more that 800 prehistoric tracks, according to Trustees.
“Dinosaur tracks are Massachusetts’ state fossil,” the website read. “Paleontologists believe the prints were left by some of the earliest known dinosaurs, from small plant-eaters to large meat-eaters up to 20 feet long.”
The suspects were released on their own recognizance.
The investigation is ongoing. Moriarty encouraged those with information to contact the Holyoke Police Department via the Criminal Investigation Bureau at (413) 322-6900. Tips can also be sent via text to 274-637 by typing “SOLVE” followed by a message.
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