A tree in Bethel Park will die after a half-dozen children reportedly stripped the tree trunk of its bark with a scooter, and Eugene police and the city's parks department are asking for the public's help to identify those responsible.

According to Eugene police spokeswoman Melinda McLaughlin, officers were called just before 5:30 p.m. June 30 to 5650 Babe Ruth Drive for a report of disorderly juveniles. Six boys allegedly were hitting the tree with a scooter, destroying its bark. An adult attempted to stop the kids, but they allegedly yelled at the adult, McLaughlin said. Police arrived and were unable to locate the boys.

On Wednesday, Eugene Parks and Open Space Facebook page posted, "We are deeply saddened to share the recent vandalism," saying the tree will not survive the damage.

Whether the kids realized the vandalism would kill the tree is unknown, but removing the bark all the way around a trunk is called "girdling."

Bark serves the same purpose as the skin on animals — bark protects and nourishes the tree, according to a SFGate.com article on tree care. The bark contains the trees "veins" to transfer food and water to other parts of the tree. Because the water or sap cannot be dispersed when a tree is girdled, the tree slowly dies due to lack of nutrients and moisture. It may take up to one year for the tree to die.

It is unknown if the city plans to cut the tree down. A message to the city's public works department on Friday was not immediately returned.

Anyone with information about those responsible is asked to call 541-682-5111. To report vandalism in progress, call 911.