A recent incident at Carlsbad Caverns National Park saw a dropped bag of Cheetos cause significant disruption to the delicate cave ecosystem, prompting park officials to highlight the broader issue of litter's impact on fragile environments. The humidity in the cave softened the snack, creating an ideal environment for mold growth and attracting various insects, which formed a temporary food web. Rangers spent 20 minutes cleaning up the mess after discovering the bag in the Big Room, the park's largest chamber. Officials emphasized that while incidental impacts are often unavoidable, litter such as a snack bag is entirely preventable. They urged visitors to practice 'Leave No Trace' principles to minimize their ecological footprint. The park's statement reflects a growing concern over the accumulation of waste at national parks, with over 100 million pounds reported annually.