National park authorities have taken to social media to issue a stern warning. This warning followed the discovery of something alarming in Big Bend National Park. Although this finding was not uncommon, the consequences of it are very serious. Now, authorities are sharing images of the trash littering the park and speaking out about how this careless behavior affects us all.
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National Park Authorities Issue Warning About Littering
National park authorities from Big Bend National Park shared photos of the trash littering the park that they discovered. In addition to the photos, they shared a post issuing a warning about the dire consequences that garbage can have on local wildlife.
The post shared that the trash left behind was from “campers at Rio Grande Village Campground.” Among the litter officials found, “Cardboard boxes, plastic store bags, paper and paper towels, aluminum cans, and abandoned camping gear.”
Ironically, the officials are not asking for anything outrageous. It is not as if they said people can no longer camp or enjoy the beauty of this national park. Instead, they had one simple request: “Please pick up after yourselves.”
Besides being downright disrespectful and gross, littering also harms this beautiful park and the wildlife that call it home. In their post, they shared “Litter threatens wildlife, damages the desert, and takes time away from staff who are here to help visitors enjoy the park.” Then, they end with a powerful statement, “Be part of the solution – not the problem.” I hope that their message sticks.
The Internet Reacts
Comments left underneath the post prove that these national park officials are not alone in their distaste for littering. Many people shared their thoughts online about the disgusting act of leaving garbage behind – especially in a national park. Here are some of the comments that were left underneath the post.
- “I remember when the “Don’t Mess With Texas” anti-littering campaign first came out, and whiny babies thought it was too “mean.” We need it back, but even more in-your-face.”
- “I was alway taught to “ take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but foot prints “, and taught my children the same thing, Been to Big Bend many times, and hiked there a lot, one of my favorite places.”
- “So sad that you have to ask adults to pick up after themselves
“ - “My wish is that there would be real penalties for littering. I see signs in Texas showing a $25. fine for littering. Really? Like anyone will stop with that threat!”
