Two men get away from Franklin Mountain State Park rangers after being caught digging up cactus on the mountain.

Passersby spotted the pair unearthing the desert plants but because of last years heavy rains and flooding the access is limited and by the time rangers got on the scene the men were able to get away.

Robert Pichardo is a park ranger for Franklin Mountain state park he is not exactly sure how many cacti were stolen from the park.

" It is hard to tell because we did not catch them in the act. The only thing we did catch is what they left behind."

The pair left behind about 5 cacti one of which Pichardo says took more than 20 years to grow.

Texas state senator Eliot Shapleigh tried to pass legislation to make the punishment harsher for those who steal desert vegetation but Governor Rick Perry vetoed it in the last legislative session.

After hearing about Mondays attack Shapleigh said he is going to take immediate action.

"I get angry this bill should have passed. I'm going to talk to the governor next week and see why he is vetoing these bills"

Shapleigh says the reason people are stealing the cacti is for landscaping purposes.

Pichardo recommends getting receipts if you are going to purchase a cactus. If you see any digging in state parks you are urged to call park rangers or police.