With many national parks closed, wildlife is getting an unusual respite (from us)

Yosemite, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon—these iconic parks are the crown jewels of the U.S. national parks system, and for good reason.

Often referred to as "America’s Best Idea," the establishment of national parks in the U.S. sparked a global movement to protect nature’s most precious places.

These marquee national parks would typically be packed during National Park Week, which runs until April 26. In 2019, the National Park Service recorded more than 327 million visitors, marking a 2.9% increase from the previous year, and the third-highest number since record keeping began in 1904.

However, with the COVID-19 pandemic forcing the closure of many popular parks, we now have a unique opportunity to observe what happens when the animals who live in these protected areas get free rein over the grounds.

"With Yosemite and other parks temporarily closed, wildlife is emerging from their usual hiding spots and even thriving in our absence, reclaiming areas long dominated by human activity," said Beth Pratt, the National Wildlife Federation’s regional executive director for California.

"Without threats like car collisions or tourists harassing them for selfies, coyotes are now freely hunting mice in Camp Curry, while black bears roam around a largely deserted Yosemite Village," said Pratt, who served as vice president/CFO at the nonprofit Yosemite Conservancy for a decade and still resides near the park.

Pratt explained, "This situation shows that even in the most well-protected spaces on Earth – our national parks – wildlife is still impacted by human presence."

"More than 400 bears have been struck by vehicles in Yosemite since 1995. The fact that these animals appear to be enjoying a break from human activity is a poignant reminder that when the parks do reopen, we should be kinder and more considerate toward the wildlife that inhabit these spaces," Pratt added.

National parks were established during wartime

A bison herd grazes peacefully in Hayden Valley at Yellowstone National Park. Avalon/Universal Images Group Editorial/Getty Images

This isn’t the first instance of the US government stepping in to protect natural landscapes during times of human conflict.

During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln and Congress took action to safeguard parts of what would later become Yosemite by passing the Yosemite Land Grant of 1864. The area wouldn’t officially be designated as a national park until 1890.

Yellowstone, established in 1872, holds the distinction of being the world’s first national park. Its creation wasn’t met with controversy at the time, largely due to its remote location far from major population centers.

Most members of Congress didn’t oppose the legislation because they had never visited the land, as Yellowstone National Park’s historian Lee Whittlesey shared in a 2016 Dinogo Travel interview commemorating the National Park Service’s 100th anniversary.

The creation of the federal park was primarily a political solution to a territorial dispute. Originally intended to be a state park, Yellowstone’s land spanned three different territories.

"The dispute between Montana and Wyoming newspapers about who would claim the park was immediate," Whittlesey explained. "This is why Congress made it a federal park."

Lucky for us, it was resolved in our favor.

Evidence shows that nature is beneficial for our well-being.

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon offers a breathtaking view. RHONA WISE/AFP/AFP/Getty Images

There’s no question that national park enthusiasts will eagerly return to hike, picnic, camp, and take in the stunning landscapes once the parks reopen. Nature has proven benefits, and science supports this claim.

In a study published in early April, researchers found that children who felt a connection to nature – enjoying the sounds of the outdoors and the sight of animals and flowers – were more likely to engage in helpful actions like recycling, conserving water, and protecting the environment.

Adults also benefit from time spent in nature. A 2015 study found that those who took walks outdoors reported fewer negative, repetitive thoughts.

Protecting our natural wonders is essential – and it's not only the wildlife we must be mindful of when the parks reopen.

During the government shutdown from December 22, 2018 to January 25, 2019, many national parks were left unattended, allowing careless visitors to cause significant damage.

Overflowing toilets, accumulated trash, and destruction at places like Joshua Tree National Park were just some of the consequences during the shutdown.

These parks are meant for us to enjoy now and for generations to come.

Summer in Acadia National Park, Maine, is a beautiful sight to behold.

Summer in Acadia National Park, Maine, is absolutely delightful.

The 1916 legislation that established the National Park Service emphasized that parks should be preserved in a way that allows future generations to enjoy them without being diminished.

The founders of the National Park Service intended for us, the future generations, to be stewards, not exploiters, of these precious natural resources.

There’s a chance that parks may open before surrounding communities, which often have limited healthcare facilities, can fully prepare, including hiring seasonal staff, according to Phil Francis, chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks.

“Visitors should keep in mind that if they visit a popular park shortly after it reopens, they might encounter very crowded conditions.”

Francis emphasized, "The National Park Service will truly appreciate visitors who follow park rules and regulations. If restrooms are closed, please plan accordingly before you arrive and be mindful of public hygiene."

"Pack out all the trash you bring in – follow the principle of 'pack it in, pack it out,' and respect the leave-no-trace ethos," he said. "If trash cans are full, take your waste with you instead of leaving it beside overflowing bins."

"Visitors can make a difference by avoiding littering or damaging park facilities and natural resources."

Historian and writer Wallace Stegner once praised America’s national parks as "the best idea we ever had. Absolutely American, absolutely democratic, they showcase our best qualities, not our worst."

Let’s bring our best selves when we return to explore and enjoy these cherished national treasures.