Live stream from national park captures visitor's unacceptable behavior on camera: 'Disturbance recorded'

A vigilant viewer monitoring the Lake McDonald webcam at Glacier National Park in Montana noticed troubling behavior by some guests. A screenshot shared on the r/GlacierNationalPark subreddit highlighted that visitors had stacked stones, forming cairns along the shoreline.

The Reddit post emphasized the negative consequences: "Stacking rocks disturbs wildlife habitats among the stones, can confuse hikers if done near trails, and detracts from the park's natural beauty."

Although arranging stones might appear harmless, it can harm the environment. The National Park Service warns that unauthorized cairns could mislead hikers, causing disorientation or even danger in some cases. "Check the specific park's rules on cairns before hiking," the NPS advises.

Experts suggest leaving rocks untouched to prevent soil disruption and erosion. Visitors should follow the "leave no trace" principle: pack out trash, avoid altering the landscape, and report any damage to park staff.

Disturbing rocks not only impacts the environment but also affects local wildlife. As one Reddit commenter noted, this behavior reflects a disregard for the natural world: "Just as frustrating as littering on the trail, some people dont understand 'leave nothing but footprints.'"

Some parks, like Yosemite, even encourage dismantling unauthorized cairns to restore the natural setting. Respecting these guidelines helps preserve the beauty and safety of national parks for both people and animals.

Author: Zoe Harrison