A seemingly innocent bag of Cheetos dropped by a visitor of Carlsbad Caverns National Park has turned into a full-blown ecological disaster that’s wreaking havoc on the cave’s delicate ecosystem. The National Park Service says our human waste is “world-changing” in such a unique environment. When we litter it can seem trivial, since you’re about as likely to see that trash again as you are to see Bigfoot. But our environment doesn’t forget!
The Strict Rules of Carlsbad Caverns
Don’t go anywhere without your emergency pack of Oreos? Well if you’re planning on visiting Carlsbad Caverns National Park you’re going to have to part with your beloved. While known for its breathtaking cave formations, it also has strict guidelines about what visitors can bring into the caverns. Water is the only consumable in the Big Room, the park’s largest cave chamber. Anything else—especially food—can attract unwanted visitors like bats and insects, which can disrupt the cave’s ecosystem.
Chamber of Sulfuric Secrets
The Big Room at Carlsbad Caverns is an impressive marvel, being the largest single cave chamber by volume in North America. Over millions of years, the slow, patient work of sulfuric acid dissolving limestone crafted the cave’s delicate yet magnificent passageways. But since these stunning formations took eons to develop, they can be easily damaged by a dropped snack. The cave’s delicate balance requires careful protection to save its grandeur for future generations.
A Snack of Serious Consequence
When a visitor dropped a bag of Cheetos off at the cave, it had profound ecological effects. The high humidity inside the cave softened the processed corn. This created an ideal breeding ground for microbial life and fungi. Hungry for more than attention, cave-dwelling organisms such as crickets, mites, spiders, and flies were attracted to it. Which, in turn, formed an unexpected food web. As molds spread up the cave walls, they released spores, which added to the growing problem. In a matter of hours, the cave’s entire natural balance was thrown off.
Waste Monsters
Food isn’t the only waste that can disrupt the cave environment. The park has previously dealt with human waste, spit, and even chewing tobacco all introducing foreign microbes and bacteria. I understand the view is jaw-dropping but how hard is it to keep you spit in your mouth?
Cheetos Cleanup Crew
Like cave police, the park rangers recognized the threat to the cave’s ecosystem and acted as fast as they could. They spent 20 minutes carefully removing the molds and foreign debris. While some organisms, like the cave crickets, were native to the environment, many of the microbes that appeared as a result of the Cheetos were not. So park rangers took extra care not to disturb the natural formations further. The effort was painstaking but necessary.
A Not So Lucky Packet
While the molds and microbes created by the snack were eventually cleared up, they left a lasting impression on the cave’s environment. Even the smallest human actions can have far-reaching consequences in these natural spaces. It’s a wake-up call to be mindful of our impact on the world around us. At the very least be mindful of sneaky snacks!
Comparing Litter to Lint
The park’s Facebook post pointed out that while Cheetos had a “huge impact,” other forms of human waste are harder to prevent. In contrast to the difficult-to-avoid fine lint trails left by each visitor, the post described that specific influence on the cave as “completely avoidable.” Every visitor, even the most careful, leaves behind tiny traces of lint. These small particles might not create food webs or attract invasive species. But it’s still a silent invader, a subtle reminder of our impact on the natural world.
“Leave No Trace” Principles
Following the Cheetos incident, the Carlsbad Caverns National Park doubled down on its “leave no trace” principle. Visitors were reminded that even the smallest piece of waste, whether gum wrapper or glitter, can have a big impact on the cave’s ecosystem. The idea is simple: everyone must take responsibility for their actions to preserve the park’s natural beauty. Unfortunately, cave care doesn’t come naturally to some people.
Carlsbad’s Cave Saving Crusade
Carlsbad Caverns rangers face a daily food fight against visitor waste. The park’s Facebook post further stated, “Contrary to popular belief, the cave is NOT a big trash can,” yet every day rangers have to gather trash that has been left behind. Despite their best efforts, this remains a recurring issue for the park.
Lessons In Cave Chivalry
Teaching eco kindness and cave courtesy is key to protecting this ecosystem. The park’s social media post urged visitors to be more mindful of their actions. By highlighting the consequences of a seemingly Cheetos bag, the park hopes to encourage better behavior in the future.
Only Leave Traces of Hope
To prevent future Cheetos catastrophes, Carlsbad Caverns emphasizes their “leave no trace” principles and strict guidelines. By spreading awareness the park hopes to create a cleaner, healthier future for the caves. As rangers continue to patrol the park they do their part in reminding visitors to be mindful of their actions and to respect the natural wonders around them. But it’s a wonder we need so much reminding!
In short
Who would’ve thought a humble bag of Cheetos could cause such a stir? The fragility of natural habitats and our shared duty to protect them are highlighted in the Carlsbad Caverns National Park. By following park rules, you can help ensure that places like these remain pristine for years. So, the next time you see someone tempted to drop a snack or a piece of trash for our Earth to adopt, remind them of the Cheetos Caverns incident. It’s a lesson that’s anything but cheesy!
