Carlsbad Caverns National Park officials have condemned the careless act of leaving a Cheetos snack bag behind in one of the caves, citing its negative impact on the delicate underground ecosystem. The incident took place in the Big Room, the largest single cave chamber in North America.

According to the National Park Service (NPS), the leftover Cheetos snack bag created an ideal environment for fungi and microbial life to thrive. The processed corn in the snack, softened by the cave's humidity, provided a source of nutrients for various creatures like cave crickets, mites, spiders, and flies. These creatures, forming a temporary food web, spread the nutrients throughout the cave and its formations.

As a result, molds carried by the creatures began to grow on higher cave walls and other surfaces, leading to an unpleasant stench. Park rangers had to spend 20 minutes removing the mold and foreign debris from the cave surfaces.

The NPS emphasized that while a spilled snack bag might seem insignificant to humans, it can have a significant impact on the fragile ecosystem of the cave. Carlsbad Caverns National Park houses over 119 caves that were formed when limestone was dissolved by sulfuric acid. To maintain the integrity of the caves, food and drink, with the exception of plain water, are not allowed inside.

Park officials are urging visitors to be more mindful of their actions and to refrain from leaving any litter or food waste behind. They highlight the importance of preserving the unique underground ecosystem, which plays a vital role in maintaining the park's natural beauty.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park remains a treasured destination for visitors seeking to explore the awe-inspiring wonders of the underground world. By adhering to the rules and regulations set forth by the NPS, visitors can help ensure the longevity of this remarkable natural ecosystem for future generations of explorers to enjoy.