Is it a huge predator with big fangs and claws?
The Most Dangerous Animal of Grand Canyon National Park. Christian Espanol. Examiner.com (Boise, ID)
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Ralph Maughan
Dr. Ralph Maughan is professor emeritus of political science at Idaho State University with specialties in natural resource politics, public opinion, interest groups, political parties, voting and elections. Aside from academic publications, he is author or co-author of three hiking/backpacking guides, and he is President of the Western Watersheds Project.
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I would have said that the most dangerous animal in the Grand Canyon is humans. If you have ever hiked down into the Grand Canyon with the throngs of people who do so every day, you would realize that they are the most dangerous animal. Besides having to camp so close to other campers that you can hear them in their tents, your entire experience in the Grand Canyon is dealing with people. Everyone needs to try harder not to destroy these beautiful places with their idiotic behavior, such as feeding wild animals. It is supposed to be a place where wildlife can be save from us as well.
I agree with Virginia regarding the most dangerous animal in any park. Having lived at and hiked extensively in the canyon, I can attest that the quirrels can be pesky. I can also attest to the fact that they were conditioned to be that way from being fed garbage food. If you avoid hiking on the Bright Angel Trail and use some of the less crowded trails like Hermit’s, Tanner, Grandview and Hance the squirrelsare not a problem. Those trails (to me) are more scenic, and offer a respite from the crowds.
It’s also best to avoid eating outside on the canyon side of Bright Angel Lodge this is another place where both people and squirrel congregate to feed each other junk food. If you do go there it’s usually a good place to spots California Condors. They will be the huge birds with an equally huge # attached to there bodies somewhat like NASCAR. I would like to think thereis a better way to keep track of them.
Thanks for your comment on my article. Very good point. I suppose from that perspective I agree. Humans would be by far the most dangerous animal of any Park. I wanted to take the perspective of visitors for this article. The National Park Service takes great care in trying to find a balance between providing guests an unforgettable experience and protecting the Park. Sometimes that job is very difficult. People really do need to take better care of the natural world around them. Thanks again for your input.