‘Poorly painted’ graffiti in Wyoming wildlife refuge is traced to surprising culprit

A shameless example of graffiti vandalism at a Wyoming wildlife refuge has led the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to a somewhat disgusting conclusion.

The eyesore at Pathfinder National Wildlife Refuge is not graffiti — and not even paint.

“You might be wondering why we’re sharing a photo of a poorly painted rock,” wildlife service officials wrote Feb. 17 on Facebook.

“The rock, in fact, is not painted. It’s a bird whitewash. This whitewash indicates that a bird (most likely a bird of prey) chose this rock as its favorite perch to search for prey. The white you’re seeing is actually bird excrement.”

Investigators aren’t sure what bird — or birds — are responsible, but they are clearly well fed.

Wildlife officials posted the photo to show the public how they can more easily spot a “bird’s favorite hangout spot.” The refuge is about 65 miles southwest of Casper.

The post has gotten thousands of reactions and comments, including a lot of poop and Jackson Pollock art puns.

Some people have offered alternative interpretations for what the spot might be, including suggestions the bird — or birds — purposely created what looks like a face with its tongue out.

“My Mum told me when I was little that is where birds brush their teeth?” Jim Brownfrog wrote on Facebook.

“Obviously someone’s car is parked underneath,” Joshua Goodin said.

“That’s a lot of poo,” Kimberly Hauer added.

This story was originally published February 18, 2022 at 7:46 AM with the headline "‘Poorly painted’ graffiti in Wyoming wildlife refuge is traced to surprising culprit."