The breathtaking splendor of our national parks is a testament to the country’s natural beauty. However, acts of vandalism, such as the recent defacement of a rockface by an individual known as ‘Nick’ at Yellowstone National Park, are sullying these national treasures. This act has ignited a wave of anger among park enthusiasts and visitors.
A photograph showcasing the damage was shared on the Facebook group ‘Yellowstone National Park: Invasion of The Idiots’. The image displays the name ‘Nick’ crudely carved into a thermal crust near the Biscuit Basin boardwalk. Members of this group are now resolute in their mission to identify and publicly condemn those responsible.
“Dirty, rotten a******s! Get photographic evidence catching them in the act! They deserve to be reported and publicly shamed! This is getting ridiculous,” an exasperated member vented. Another suggested, “Please take a picture of the people doing this and follow them to their vehicle and take a picture of their license plate and turn it in.”
It’s clear that these patriots refuse to tolerate such disrespect towards our nation’s treasures.
The Biscuit Basin trail, celebrated for its remarkable views of hydrothermal features like Sapphire Pool, Avoca Spring, and Jewel Geyser, draws countless visitors. Therefore, seeing it defaced in such manner has understandably ignited fury among those who value these natural wonders.
The frustration voiced by group members was unmistakable. Some even suggested severe penalties for those involved with comments ranging from “Man if I see someone doing this they will be eating that rock and then nothing solid ever again” to “Nick you’re a d**k,” and “A******s what’s wrong with these idiots ban them from the park.”
As the tourist season begins, so do the efforts of groups dedicated to exposing irresponsible visitors, termed as ‘tourons’—a blend of ‘tourist’ and ‘moron’. These groups are committed to holding accountable those who disregard park rules and risk damaging its delicate features.
Social media accounts like ‘Tourons of Yellowstone’ capture instances of tourists ignoring safety guidelines, often for selfies or to get closer to wildlife. Even celebrities aren’t exempt from this scrutiny. Pierce Brosnan, known for his role as James Bond, was fined $500 and made a $1,000 donation after posting pictures of himself in a prohibited thermal area during a visit in November.
Veering off the designated boardwalks in Yellowstone is not just illegal but also extremely dangerous. The park’s geothermal features are fragile and can take years to recover from damage. There have been several fatalities from visitors falling into Yellowstone’s boiling pools. In 2015, Colin Nathaniel Scott tragically lost his life after straying off the boardwalk at the Norris Geyser Basin.
The message from those who cherish our national parks is clear: adhere to the rules and respect nature’s beauty. The ongoing efforts to identify and shame vandals like ‘Nick’ demonstrate the dedication of these park lovers who aim to preserve Yellowstone for future generations.
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