The Poop Problem: How Hikers Are Impacting Our National Parks

Millions of hikers annually leave behind human waste in natural areas, posing a significant public health and environmental risk. Research shows that despite available facilities, many hikers defecate in the backcountry due to lack of awareness, unclear regulations, or perceived insignificance. Promoting Leave No Trace principles, researchers advocate for using wag bags or properly digging cat holes, emphasizing the necessity of packing out waste in sensitive environments to protect fragile ecosystems.