NPS Investigative Services Branch

31/05/2026

The Cooper’s Hawk (Astur cooperii) can be found year-round in most parts of the continental United States and is a frequent visitor to the Castillo de San Marcos! This bird of prey was likely looking for small critters scurrying around the moat in the early morning.

Image: Cooper’s Hawk peeking over the fort’s wall.

31/05/2026

On May 31, 1889, one of the deadliest disasters in U.S. history struck when the South Fork Dam failed above Johnstown, Pennsylvania, unleashing more than 4.8 billion gallons of water. The raging flood swept through the valley, destroying homes and communities and claiming more than 2,200 lives.

After days of relentless rainfall, the dam gave way, triggering widespread devastation across the region. In the aftermath, Clara Barton and volunteers with the American Red Cross led one of the nation’s first large-scale disaster relief efforts, providing critical aid to survivors.

Today, Johnstown Flood National Memorial preserves the remains of the dam and tells the story of the flood, its victims, and the recovery efforts that followed. Learn more at: https://www.nps.gov/jofl

Image: A tree lodged in the Schultz house in the aftermath of the Johnstown Flood of 1889

31/05/2026

🍄✨ Cave surprise! ✨🍄

At first glance, caves may appear inhospitable to life, but look closer and you can find it thriving. This mushroom, of the genus Mycena, found a perfect home in the cool, humid, dim light of the cave. Most Mycena are saprotrophic, meaning they feed on dead matter or waste. In addition to a comfortable habitat, this individual also found a nutritious meal in the dead tree root it’s growing out of!

This delicate flush of fungi appears only briefly each year on the same piece of decomposing wood deep within Oregon Caves — a tiny seasonal reminder that even in the darkest places, ecosystems are hard at work. 👀🌿

Next time you visit the cave, remember: there’s a whole hidden world growing in the shadows.

Photo credit: NPS/ Sarah M

30/05/2026

Thermal features are so hot right now.

Well, most of the time. Yellowstone National Park preserves the most extraordinary collection of hot springs, geysers, mudpots, and fumaroles on Earth. More than 10,000 hydrothermal features are found here, of which more than 500 are geysers.

Boardwalks and trails protect you and delicate thermal formations. Do not touch thermal features or runoff. Water in hot springs can cause severe or fatal burns, and scalding water underlies most of the thin, breakable crust around hot springs.

Learn more tips on how to adventure through Yellowstone safely at: https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/safety.htm

30/05/2026

28/05/2026

28/05/2026

27/05/2026

“You must choose, but choose wisely…” -Grail Knight

Nobody wants slippy-sloppy. Or was it sloppy-slippy? Either way, taking the wrong footwear on the trail can quickly turn a fun hike into a painful one. Before heading out, research the route and terrain so you can choose the right gear for your adventure. Heels, open-toed shoes, and flip-flops are not ideal for hiking trails. For dirt or gravel trails, opt for sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes with good traction and ankle support. For paved or urban pathways, comfortable sneakers or tennis shoes are usually a better fit. Your feet will thank you later.

Now, to be fair, it's ! Flip-flops are great for beach parks, the pool, short walks, getting lost in the parking lot, or just embracing vacation mode. But rocky trails, waterfalls, uneven terrain, being chased by a herd of bison, mud, and steep inclines? That’s where things can get a little…well, slippy. Also sloppy.

Make good choices.

Image: A screenshot of a post from the National Park Service account on X that reads: “Always hike with proper supplies and equipment. Remember, flippy floppies may lead to slippy sloppies.”

26/05/2026

The mondayest Tuesday ever…

Dreading what feels like it could be a bear of a week? Feeling like you’re constantly playing catch-up? Bearly moving? Don’t worry…ease back into work instead of trying to tackle everything all at once. Start by tidying your workspace (or find your space if you’ve forgotten), reminding yourself what it is you do there, and planning your first break of the day. Sometimes the best way to get back into work mode is to give your brain a chance to catch up too.

Did somebody say break? It never hurts to take a much-needed “paws.” Regular breaks can help you recharge, refocus, and keep the day from turning completely grizzly. Step away for a few minutes to stretch, take a walk, catch something for lunch, or scroll through the park socials. This is your time.

Image: A bear cub takes a nap in a cottonwood trees Big Bend National Park. NPS/CA Hoyt

25/05/2026

Honoring all the members of our armed forces who gave what President Abraham Lincoln called "the last full measure of devotion," Memorial Day is one of the most important and solemn days on the National Mall. Across 250 years of American history, starting with those who fell while fighting alongside General George Washington in the Revolutionary War to recent conflicts, we will never forget our heroes. The military memorials on the National Mall are stunning tributes to hundreds of thousands of people who laid down their lives for freedom. Today we lay wreaths at these special places, but every day, walking past stone walls and metal statues, we recognize the loved and lost and offer the thanks of a grateful nation.

Photo by National Park Service.

12/03/2026

NPS Investigative Services Branch assists Gettysburg National Military Park on vandalism investigation.

On March 6, 2026, National Park Service law enforcement rangers, with assistance from the Carlisle (PA) Police Department, arrested Lucas J. Reisinger, 36, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He was arrested on two felony counts of destruction of veterans’ memorials in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1369. Reisinger is accused of carving his initials into two monuments at Little Round Top in Gettysburg National Military Park in September 2025.

Read the full story on our website: https://go.nps.gov/LRTArrest

28/08/2025

U.S. Park Rangers at Thomas Edison National Historical Park is requesting assistance with identifying the driver of a vehicle that damaged government property.

Damage to Gov. Property
Date: 08/05/2025 -Approximately midnight

US Park Rangers are investigating Damage to Government Property/Hit and Run incident at The Thomas Edison National Historical Park.

Details/synopsis:
The driver ran the stop sign from Lakeside Ave to Main Street colliding with the park fence. The fence post and gate were damaged by the collision and will need to be replaced. The driver failed to report the accident and has not come forward for the damage.

If you have information that could help investigators, or if you were in the area of Main Street and Lakeside Ave around midnight of 08/05/2025, please contact us. You don't have to tell us who you are, but please tell us what you know:

CALL the NPS Tip Line 888-653-0009
ONLINE go.nps.gov/SubmitATip
EMAIL [email protected]
EMERGENCY dial 9-1-1

22/08/2025

U.S. Park Rangers of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park are seeking information from the public to help identify those responsible for recent damage and forced entry into the convento of Mission Concepción. Park officials report the incident occurred at Mission Concepción during the overnight hours of August 20th to August 21st, 2025.

Suspects gained entry to the Mission Concepción Convento area by throwing large boulders through the wood door causing considerable damage to the door and structure. The suspects stole monitoring devices used to determine moisture levels within the historic structure.

Information from the public is often very helpful to investigators. If you have information that could help identify those responsible for these acts of vandalism, the park asks you to call the ISB Tip Line at 888-653-0009, use the online Tip form at go.nps.gov/SubmitATip, or email [email protected].

You don’t have to tell us who you are, but please tell us what you know.
☎️ CALL the ISB Tip Line 888-653-0009
🌎 ONLINE go.nps.gov/SubmitATip
📧 EMAIL [email protected]
🚨 EMERGENCY dial 9-1-1

Images: Damage to a historic door and structure at Mission Concepción in San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. NPS Photos

15/08/2025

On Wednesday, August 13, a body believed to be that of Blake Kieckhafer, 23, of Omaha, Nebraska, was recovered above Emerald Lake. Rocky Mountain National Park rangers completed an on-scene investigation and recovery operations took place by helicopter. His body was flown to a landing zone in Rocky Mountain National Park and transferred to the Larimer County Coroner’s Office.

Kieckhafer was reported missing to park rangers by family on Monday, August 11. He was last seen in the Upper Beaver Meadows area of Rocky Mountain National Park on Thursday, August 7 around 5:20 p.m. when he was dropped off by a ride share service.

Investigations lead to search efforts being focused in the Emerald Lake area on Wednesday. Over 80 people were involved in yesterday’s search efforts. Several agencies and organizations assisted Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue Team members with efforts including Larimer County Search and Rescue Dog Teams, Arapaho Rescue Patrol and a contracted helicopter with Trans Aero.
The Larimer County Coroner’s office will confirm positive identification of the individual and release additional information.

The National Park Service Investigative Services Branch sends condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Kieckhafer.

Please be respectful with your comments. Remember, friends and family may be following this post.

Image Credit: NPS Graphic

12/08/2025

U. S. Park Rangers in Rocky Mountain National Park are requesting assistance with locating a missing hiker.

Rocky Mountain National Park rangers began search efforts for Blake Kieckhafer, 23, of Omaha, Nebraska. Kieckhafer was reported missing to park rangers by family on Monday, August 11.

He was last seen in the Upper Beaver Meadows area of Rocky Mountain National Park on Thursday, August 7 around 5:20 p.m. when he was dropped off by a ride share service. Upper Beaver Meadows Road is located approximately 1-mile west of Beaver Meadows Entrance along U.S. Highway 36 on the east side of the park.
Kieckhafer was last seen wearing a dark-colored T-shirt, dark-colored pants, and a dark-colored baseball cap with no logo. He was carrying a small, maroon daypack. Kieckhafer is described as 5’11,” 180 pounds, with buzzed/short blonde hair and a mustache, and blue/green eyes.

If you have information that could help investigators or if you have seen Blake Kieckhafer, please contact us. You don't have to tell us who you are, but please tell us what you know. CALL or TEXT the NPS Investigative Services Branch Tip Line 888-653-0009, ONLINE at https://go.nps.gov/SubmitATip, or EMAIL [email protected].

29/07/2025

U. S. Park Rangers at Grand Canyon National Park are looking for information on a missing hiker:

News Release — NPS Seeks Information on Missing Person at Grand Canyon National Park
The National Park Service is asking for the public’s help in locating Thomas Daniel Gibbs, 35, of Freehold, New Jersey, who was last heard from on July 22, 2025, at approximately 12 p.m.
Gibbs’ family and friends reported him missing on Monday, July 28. His Tesla Cybertruck was found the same day in the Grandview Point parking lot on the South Rim. Gibbs is believed to have been in the Grandview Trail and Horseshoe Mesa area on July 22.
Physical description:
• Age: 35
• Race: White
• S*x: Male
• Height: 6’01”
• Hair: Brown
• Eyes: Brown
• Tattoos: None
Park rangers are asking anyone who was in the Grandview Trail around July 22 and who may have seen Gibbs or has information on his whereabouts to contact the NPS Investigative Services Branch Tip Line at 888-653-0009. Tips can also be submitted online at www.nps.gov/ISB or via email at [email protected].

https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/gibbs-missing-person.htm

15/05/2025

A Legacy of Honor: We remember our own NPS law enforcement rangers, a special agent, and United States Park Police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, express our deepest gratitude to their surviving families, and reflect on our brothers and sisters in law enforcement who continue to serve.

This year, the Investigative Services Branch had the honor of escorting the family of Steve Makuakane - Jarrell to this year's National Police Week events.

We give thanks to the thousands of permanent and seasonal law enforcement officers who serve with us today across all of the Department of the Interior (DOI) bureaus. To those who have died in the line of duty since the Department's founding in 1849, we pay special tribute. Many were officers of the National Park Service (NPS). A black band is worn across our badges as a sign of respect and mourning for a line of duty death of an employee who was engaged in life-saving actions, killed feloniously, or engaged in direct fire suppression actions.

National Police Week is a time of particular recognition of all law enforcement officers nationwide who serve and protect our communities every day. It is also a time to solemnly honor the memory of those officers who gave their lives in the line of duty, and to express our deepest gratitude to their surviving families.

Learn more at: https://ow.ly/WnbP50VSVyZ

03/04/2025

US Park Rangers of Rocky Mountain National Park are seeking information on recent reckless driving – https://go.nps.gov/1gjh5s

Park officials say that during activities within Rocky Mountain National Park on February 17 and March 1, US Park Rangers received reports of a vehicle driving recklessly with disregard for the safety of others.

Rangers are investigating these reports and are seeking information from the public, including any photographs or video material. Though no further details are available at this time regarding this ongoing investigation, information from visitors is often helpful to investigators.

If you have information about these incidents, the park asks you to please submit a tip. You don't have to tell us who you are, but please tell us what you know:

CALL the NPS Tip Line at 888-653-0009
ONLINE go.nps.gov/SubmitATip
EMAIL [email protected]
EMERGENCY dial 9-1-1

Find in-depth information about Rocky Mountain National Park at www.nps.gov/romo

See also https://www.facebook.com/RockyNPS/posts/pfbid03iUSKGctaQ2iRMfRPaGykRAne2zdBLbxj9VamEDrooLQPPywyfk4VTZbAs6dVgDil

NPS photo of an entrance sign in Rocky Mountain National Park.

30/03/2025

Women's history is full of amazing stories of both ordinary and extraordinary people – including our own Chief, Debra Flowers!

As a young teen growing up in Babb MT, Debra joined the Youth Conservation Corp, a program that enabled her to spend summers working in Glacier National Park before she even knew it was part of the National Park System. As soon as she could, she applied to become a seasonal NPS employee, donning the green & gray uniform and iconic "flat hat" as a Visitor Use Assistant in Glacier.

One afternoon while working in one of the park's campgrounds, Debra had an "Aha!" moment when she noticed some visitors feeding wildlife. As she explained why they shouldn't feed wildlife, she noticed the visitors looking at her belt and badge to see whether she had law enforcement authority, then they declined to listen or stop what they were doing. In that moment, Debra became inspired to start the path to becoming a sworn law enforcement officer as a US Park Ranger to better protect the parks, resources, people, and wildlife therein. She jumped in her vehicle, drove back to the ranger station, and researched training. Not long after, she became one of the few to graduate Seasonal Law Enforcement Academy before their 21st birthday.

Her path was not without challenges to overcome. Many times, Debra was the only female in a law enforcement office or operation. She found she constantly had to prove herself and work harder than her male colleagues to show her worth. Fortunately, she eventually found mentors who helped show how to best lead and motivate others.

She thanks her dad and stepmom for influencing and believing in her. They taught Debra to believe in herself, to put forward her best, and to take care of those around her. They also gave her insights into the art of retreating for a better position when struggling against a challenge or opposing roadblock along the way.

What would she tell her younger self? "Trust and believe that everything is part of a bigger plan," says our Chief. "Keep putting one foot in front of the other and everything will work out. Be confident in yourself, and never doubt your greatness."

During and beyond, the National Park Service commemorates the roles of women in American history. Discover more at go.nps.gov/WHM

Image courtesy of the Flowers family.

26/03/2025

Can you help US Park Rangers of Golden Gate National Recreation Area find those responsible for recent vandalism? – go.nps.gov/qqvsob

The National Park Service is seeking information from the public to help identify those responsible for recent vandalism and forced entry into the historic SF-88 Nike Missile Site at Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Park officials say the incident occurred sometime between the evening of Saturday, March 15 and the morning of Wednesday, March 19, 2025. An individual or individuals broke into the historic Nike Missile Site magazine in the Marin Headlands and committed extensive vandalism. This included spray painting hate speech throughout the building and spilling gallons of hazardous chemicals. The individual(s) may have sustained chemical burns and may have needed medical attention.

Information from visitors is often very helpful to investigators. If you took photographs or videos in the area of Battery Alexander or the Nike Missile site between the night of March 15 and the morning of March 19, or if you have any other information that could help, the park asks you to please submit a tip. You don't have to tell us who you are, but please tell us what you know:

☎️ CALL the NPS Tip Line at 888-653-0009
🌎 ONLINE go.nps.gov/SubmitATip
📧 EMAIL [email protected]
🚨 EMERGENCY dial 9-1-1

Find in-depth information about Golden Gate National Recreation Area at www.nps.gov/goga

NPS photo of damage to the SF-88 Nike Missile Site.

12/03/2025

[DOJ news release] An interagency investigation by the NPS Investigative Services Branch and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement has resulted in the conviction and sentencing of a man for providing big game transportation services for 4 illegally taken black bears in the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska.

Travis Larson, age 49, has been sentenced to serve 5 years' probation and pay a $40,000 fine, $2,400 in restitution, and must forfeit $150,000. Larson is prohibited from hunting anywhere in the world or providing any big game commercial services throughout his probationary period.

Court documents show that Larson has been a licensed big game transporter since 2010, and provides transporter services through his company, Alaska Premier Sportfishing LLC (APS). Larson and APS offered paying clients transportation for multi-day hunting and fishing trips aboard a 65-foot liveaboard vessel, Venturess. He used a smaller motorboat for transporting clients and illegally harvested black bears to and from Venturess to the areas they would hunt. Larson and APS charged $3,500 per hunter to participate in a black bear hunting trip. In May 2018, through his company APS, Larson transported 8 hunters on a black bear hunt in the Nuka Bay area of the Kenai Peninsula. Each hunter paid $3,500 to participate in the hunt. The group included 4 Norwegian nationals. Larson knew all 4 people were not residents of the U.S. and that they were not accompanied by a licensed hunting guide or assistant guide, as required by state law. During separate trips over 2 days, the 4 foreign hunters illegally shot and killed 4 black bears. Larson transported the hunters and the illegally harvested bears to Homer, Alaska, where Larson knew the bears would be transported in interstate and foreign commerce following the hunt.

During a court proceeding in October 2024, Larson pleaded guilty to 4 counts of violating the Lacey Act. Sentencing took place in March 2025. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Alaska prosecuted the case.

See the full DOJ news release at https://www.justice.gov/usao-ak/pr/homer-big-game-transporter-sentenced-transporting-unlawfully-taken-black-bears

01/01/2025

As we welcome the new year, we pause to remember those we have lost in the line of duty. Together with all who protect our public lands, visitors, employees, the natural & historic objects, and the wildlife that calls these precious places home, we give our sincere gratitude. To the surviving families of those lost in the line of duty, our deepest condolences.

On New Year's Day 2012, the National Park Service lost a dedicated ranger and colleague when US Park Ranger Margaret Anderson was fatally shot in the line of duty on the road to the Paradise area in Mount Rainier National Park. Her heroic actions ultimately prevented a gunman from reaching Paradise on that busy winter day. Ranger Anderson was a commissioned law enforcement officer with a passion for Emergency Medical Services and fire response. "She was one of the few," say her park coworkers, "who are ready to risk their own lives to protect the lives of others. We continue to mourn her loss and celebrate her life."

Ranger Anderson is among the National Park Service rangers, US Park Police officers, and a special agent lost in the line of duty and honored in a short film at go.nps.gov/legacy

NPS image from the short film "A Moment of Remembrance"

ISB: the Investigative Services Branch of the National Park Service www.nps.gov/ISB