It always surprises me to see folks bring their pets -- usually dogs -- to national parks. It's surprising because most parks ban pets from trails, and always require them to be on leashes. As a result, the pets usually spend time in a nearby kennel, in the rig, or being walked in parking lots. Should the rules change?
While we always leave our springers behind at home, more than a few pet owners wouldn't think for a minute of leaving their animals -- family members, actually -- behind. While park officials don't want dogs and other pets to get in frays with wildlife, leave their "messes" behind, or bother other visitors, some pet owners will point out that their pets are better behaved than many of today's teens and a surprising number of adults.
What do you think? Are park officials being overly stringent in banning pets on trails? Do you avoid national parks because of these regulations?
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The most obvious issue is dogs going to the bathroom on/off trails. Most owners would surely be good about picking it up, but certainly not all. I'm not sure it is that big of a deal (there are sometimes horse trails after all and horse manure is much worse), but I'd also note that dogs bark, some very loudly and frequently, and this can be disruptive to people looking for solitude, birdwatching, etc...
I'd also ask about the impact on wildlife. Isle Royale doesn't allow dogs, and I believe I read that because someone brought their dog the wolf population took a big hit because of a canine disease the dog had. This is an extreme example of course, but it's one reason not to allow them, and dogs of course may be inclined to "interact" with other wildlife as well.
As for wilderness, it seems to me that the leave no trace ethic applies even more so there, and so the "threat" of dog doo doo is even greater there.
My own personal view is that I wouldn't mind dogs while hiking as long as I don't have to step in their business, and as long as they're quiet. I found it pretty hard to sleep in Hancock when I camped the night before going to Isle Royale due to a yippy dog - some dog owners just don't take into consideration the fact that some people don't want to listen to their dog barking all night. (PS: When I slept at Isle Royale, it was instead the loons that kept me up, so I guess sometimes it's lose-lose, although I much preferred the loons)
Absolutely NO to allowing dogs in our National Parks. We take numerous road trips to our National Parks and the very last thing I want to see is some irresponsible dog owner allowing his dog off leash to approach me and to leave ungodly messes on trails. I live in the foothills of Denver, Colorado and I am a hiker. We look for hiker only trails (there are not many of them) and I am appalled at the number of dog owners that bring their dogs on these trails. The other trails are horrible with dog waste. You can't take your eyes off where you are stepping. For God's sake what is wrong with people that bring their dogs to National Parks and leave them locked up in a car in a parking lot while they go off exploring, or worst attempt to "sneak" their dogs on trails. Hint: Arches National Park is a perfect example. Sorry all you dog owners but until EVERY dog owner is a responsible dog owner (clean up after your dog and keep the animal on leash at all times), I do not want the National Parks to allow dogs. Actually if the Park Service folks would fine these offenders and hit them in the pocketbook where it hurts it might help matters. It's too bad that a few rotten apples spoil the whole barrel for dog owners.
Kurt,
You mention "mostly dogs." I'd be interested to hear what other non-dog pets people have seen at national parks, if any. People don't usually travel with them, but I would note that what were presumably pet pythons have turned into a scurge in the Everglades and beyond. I'm sure it varies by what kind of animal you bring to a park, but you obviously have to be careful in some cases that your "pets" don't get loose in a park and start competing with native wildlife.
I'd also note that animals like coyotes like to eat little dogs, so you have to be careful.
I think it depends upon the park. It is more than just loose dogs and public safety. Research shows that dogs engaged in scent marking can affect wildlife patterns. They also decrease the likelihood of viewing wildlife from trails where dogs are common because herbivores and prey animals tend to stay away from those areas. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet according to park regulations - a rule often ignored by dog owners. If the trail is in a more urban setting, historic park, or disturbed area, I think having a dog restrained on the 6 foot leaseh and picking up after them is OK, Otherwise, national parks are not the place for bringing pets. There are a lot of other places. After all, it's not like Fido is going to appreciate the view of Half Dome.
Great topic Kurt ;)
As I understand it, there are two major objections to dogs in the parks. 1) Dog poops 2) potential conflicts with animals/other users.
My experience in hiking in National Forest and Wilderness areas - where dogs are allowed, there is far less evidence of dog poops (which are fully biodegradable in a relatively short period of time) and far more evidence of human waste - i.e cans, bottles (which last forever) and even the poopy kind usually crowned with a wad of toilet paper. Talk about disgusting!
As to conflicts, a leashed dog has no reason to have a conflict with animal or human. Will owners violate the leash rules? Perhaps - but then those same owners are likely to violate any other rule in the park - including bringing dogs on the trail. Its these owners (and the other litterers) that should be banned - not dogs.
I too have been on both sides of the fence on this issue. Many summers ago I traveled with my dog and visited several National Parks. There were many trails I couldn't take because I just couldn't leave my dog in a hot car. Now I am a Park Ranger and I better understand why dogs aren't allowed on trails. Although on the North Rim we do have one pet friendly trail, not a rim view but a forest walk. I constantly encounter visitors taking their dogs on trails clearly marked "No Dogs." Some think that carrying the dog makes it OK. Not so. But then only 10 percent of people read signs anyway. Maybe if more trails were dog friendly that could help the problem. Or if more parks offered good kennels, which would have to be operated by a private concession. Or better yet, go to the usually adjacent National Forests with pets. I for one love animals, yet don't want to walk in poop or listen to some noisy yapper which unfortunately seems to happen most in the park's campground. Guess I better find out "what is the fine Ranger?"
Gila Cliff Dwellings has a shaded set of kennels behind the visitor contact station, staffed by volunteers, for visitors to leave their pets in a cool place while hiking the trail to the sites. Nice idea.
A friend of mine who works at Grand Teton NP got a call at the visitor center from a woman who wanted to know if it was okay for her to bring her pet ducks to the park with her. She went on to say that they wear diapers when out in public. I wonder how people would feel about diaper-wearing ducks on trails?