Poop Patrol, It’s a Mammoth Thing

June 27, 2024

Clean up after your pet and Keep Mammoth Lakes Unreal.

Imagine stepping onto the trail and breathing in that fresh, mountain air. You start walking, taking in the beautiful scenery around you but suddenly your shoe comes in contact with something squishy… you look down and realize you’ve stepped in dog poop that was left on the trail. That serene mountain experience is now over.

Or worse, as you hike along, you see brightly colored poop bags strewn along the trail, taking your mind away from the beauty and back to reality that the world is a messy place. Be a part of the solution and practice recreating responsibly so everyone can enjoy a pristine natural landscape.

How to be a Responsible Pet Parent

If you are a dog owner, don’t be the reason someone’s mountain experience becomes tarnished. Be prepared to scoop the poop!

Dog poop left behind isn’t just a blight on the environment, it is also a health hazard. Pet waste contains various parasites, bacteria, and other diseases, and is considered an environmental pollutant and health hazard.

Woman with yellow labrador dog in nature

Pick Up Your Dog's Poop. It's a Mammoth Thing.

Unlike the waste of wild animals, pet waste will most likely consist of things that are not a natural part of the ecosystem. The most common ingredients found in dog food will not naturally occur in the environment around you. Even if your pet is eating an all-natural diet of native flora and fauna, feces can be a primary method of disease transmission and can get into our waterways during rain events.

Mammoth Lakes is at the top of the watershed. No one wants to drink poop.

The local community and visitors alike appreciate consideration for protecting this awe-inspiring place. Learn more about being a superhero tourist by checking out ways to give back.

Take Ownership of Poop Patrol

So the next time you plan to take your pup out for a walk or hike, remember that you are part of the poop patrol. Bring a dog poop bag and make sure to pack it out. Scooping the poop and leaving the bag alongside the trail or path is just as bad as leaving the poop laying there.

When you are walking the town paths and trails just look for the dog poop bag dispensers.

Pro tip: Grab the bag before you actually need it. They are super light and compactable, and fit easily in your pocket. That way you are ready when Mother Nature calls for your pup.

And remember, once scooped, you don’t leave it on a rock. You don’t leave it on a dock. You don’t leave it on a bush. You don’t leave it on the trail. You throw it in the trash where it belongs.

Picking up poop to keep Mammoth Lakes unreal? It’s a Mammoth thing.

Small dog in jacket in the fall
Author
Lara Kaylor
Lara Kaylor is an outdoor enthusiast who gets her thrills from big time recreation in Mammoth Lakes where she resides with her husband and daughter. An award-winning journalist, Lara has been writing about all things Eastern Sierra since 2003.
More Blog Posts By Lara Kaylor

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