Park rangers are asking for the public's help in identifying three shirtless hikers accused of trespassing on federally protected land, the National Park Service (NPS) said in a statement.
At 11:06 a.m. on July 24, authorities in Maine received a call about two men and a woman, all shirtless, seen on Precipice Road in Acadia National Park. Precipice Road is a bird conservation road that is strictly off-limits to hikers during the summer months to protect nesting areas for falcons, a federally protected species.
“A large portion of the east face of Mount Champlain, including the entirety of Precipice Road, is closed for several months each year to support the protection of falcons, nesting areas, and surrounding habitat,” the NPS said in a statement.
“Studies have shown that nesting falcons are particularly vulnerable to human activities that can disturb adults and cause them to pay less attention to eggs or chicks,” the NPS continued. “Human activities near the nesting area can lead adults to temporarily or permanently abandon the nest, leaving chicks vulnerable to hypothermia, starvation, and predation.”
The NPS noted that the trail's “closure was clearly marked in the trailhead area and widely announced on various platforms, including Acadia National Park's official website and social media accounts.”
Images shared by the NPS show two long-haired men and a female companion crossing a rock face, while another photo shows the beginning of a trail blocked by construction barriers and numerous “Do Not Enter” signs that must be crossed to enter the forest.
Investigators are asking anyone who was near Precipice Trail on July 24 or who may have other information leading to the suspect's identity to come forward. The penalty for trespassing on federally protected land is six months in prison, a $500 fine or both, according to the Justice Department.