Mystery monolith in Utah disappears

The mysterious metal monolith that was recently discovered in a remote part of the Utah desert has aptly, mysteriously vanished.

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Adding more intrigue surrounding the enigmatic structure, the Bureau of Land Management said it is unknown who removed it Friday.

“We have received credible reports that the illegally installed structure, referred to as the ‘monolith’ has been removed from Bureau of Land Management public lands by an unknown party,” the group said on social media. “(The land management agency) did not remove the structure which is considered private property.”

The Bureau of Land Management said it would not investigate further. The San Juan and Grand County Sheriff’s Office has not commented on its disappearance.

>> Mysterious metal pillar found in Utah desert

A team of biologists counting bighorn sheep from a helicopter came across the enigmatic structure Nov. 18 in what was an undisclosed area of southeastern Utah.

Its three panels were made from stainless steel riveted together. It was most likely an illegal art installation, although it is unclear who created it and when exactly.

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Officials did not release its location in order to keep potential visitors from becoming stranded trying to locate it. However, through internet sleuthing, its coordinates were discovered, prompting a horde of visitors.

David Surber, considered one of the first people to have trekked to it, commented about its disappearance Saturday.

“Apparently the monolith is gone,” he said. “Nature returned back to her natural state I suppose.”

Cox Media Group