A sinkhole estimated to be about 90 feet deep is drawing so many curiosity seekers to western Kansas that the landowner is pleading for people to stay away.

Wallace County officials say the sinkhole, which is 200 to 300 feet wide, was discovered July 31 in a pasture several miles north of Sharon Springs.

Rex Buchanan, interim director of the Kansas Geological Survey, says the sinkhole occurred naturally and is not caused by groundwater depletion or oil or gas drilling.

After the sinkhole was publicized, people began driving to see it, often entering the private pasture belonging to Margaret Hoss and her family. Hoss says gawkers have ignored signs to stay out of the pasture, so barricades were put up on Monday.