For the past few decades, park managers have struggled to balance preserving Yellowstone's natural resources, while striving to meet the needs of its visitors and the growing demand for convenience foods. However, given the latest sightings of a new species of elk, park biologists are questioning that management decision after allowing donut shops to set up business inside park boundaries.
"The elk have always moved into the valleys to forage for food during the winter months," park biologist Ima Gonnagetit recently disclosed at a community meeting to address the issue. "And we knew the elk were drawn to visitors who feed them donuts bought at shops inside the park, despite rules forbidding such acts. However, the problem is bigger than just a few folks breaking rules, and our inability to police the issue due to cuts in government funding. These donuts are causing genetic mutations. Whether that's good or bad remains to be seen."
"Although these new animals do make a pretty picture, it does give cause for concern," said another park employee, Superintendent Buck Stopshear. "We are currently awaiting comment from the White House on how to address this issue.... If anything, perhaps we'll see an increase in revenues, if our visitor numbers go up."
"The elk have always moved into the valleys to forage for food during the winter months," park biologist Ima Gonnagetit recently disclosed at a community meeting to address the issue. "And we knew the elk were drawn to visitors who feed them donuts bought at shops inside the park, despite rules forbidding such acts. However, the problem is bigger than just a few folks breaking rules, and our inability to police the issue due to cuts in government funding. These donuts are causing genetic mutations. Whether that's good or bad remains to be seen."
"Although these new animals do make a pretty picture, it does give cause for concern," said another park employee, Superintendent Buck Stopshear. "We are currently awaiting comment from the White House on how to address this issue.... If anything, perhaps we'll see an increase in revenues, if our visitor numbers go up."
