National Park Service officials at Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico took to Facebook to share a serious message after a bag of Cheetos was left inside the cave. The post emphasized the impact we all have on the world, whether positive or negative, and shared anecdotes of interactions between rangers and visitors. The park highlighted the importance of being conscious of our actions and the effects they have on the environment, even mentioning the fine trail of lint left behind with each step into the cave.
The post also discussed the difference between unavoidable incidental impacts, such as lint left by visitors, and completely avoidable impacts like leaving a bag of Cheetos off-trail in the Big Room of the cave. The park explained how the processed corn in the Cheetos softened in the cave’s humidity, creating an environment for fungi and microbial life to thrive. This, in turn, attracts cave-dwelling creatures like crickets, mites, spiders, and flies, creating a cycle of nutrients being dispersed throughout the cave ecosystem.
In order to clean up the mess left by the Cheetos, park rangers spent 20 minutes carefully removing detritus and molds from cave surfaces. The post emphasized that while a spilled snack bag may seem trivial on a human scale, it can have significant consequences for the delicate ecosystem of the cave. The park service urged visitors to be mindful of their impact and strive to leave the world a better place than they found it.
The post also touched on the challenges faced by park rangers in dealing with visitors who impose their frustrations on the environment, such as forgetting to pack sunscreen and snacks before visiting the park. Despite these challenges, the park expressed gratitude for the opportunity to host thousands of visitors each day and the chance to share the beauty of the cave with others. The message reiterated the importance of respecting nature and making choices that have a positive impact on the world around us.
Overall, the post served as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of taking responsibility for our actions. It highlighted the fragility of ecosystems like the one found in Carlsbad Caverns and the need to treat them with care and respect. By raising awareness of the impact of seemingly small actions, the National Park Service hopes to inspire visitors to make choices that protect and preserve these natural treasures for future generations to enjoy.
