Yosemite Has A Pooping Problem: Visitors Abandon Used Toilet Paper In Park

TUOLUMNE COUNTY, CA — Yosemite National Park is asking visitors to stop marring its natural beauty with dirty toilet paper.

“Picture this: Yosemite's majestic wilderness, stunning vistas, and ... surprise! Used toilet paper waving hello near Rancheria Falls — a full roll too!” the park posted on social media, along with several photos of the roll and more than a dozen crumpled pieces of tissue. “Unfortunately, this is a sight that's become all too familiar in Yosemite, even in wilderness areas.”

Visitors who bring toilet paper should pack it in a sealable plastic bag after use, according to the park, which noted buried tissue is easily exposed by weather and erosion, and animals can dig it up and disperse it or use it for nests.

“Because really, nobody wants to stumble upon a surprise package left behind by an anonymous outdoor enthusiast,” the park said.

Toilet paper can take up to three years to decompose, according to the park.

“Let's keep things clean and classy out there, by packing out whatever you carry in,” the social media post said.