The ongoing government shutdown has significantly impacted US national parks, leading to increased incidents of vandalism, illegal activities, and environmental hazards due to reduced staff and services. Despite warnings from advocacy groups, many parks remain partially open with minimal staffing, resulting in unsafe conditions and damage to historic sites. Notable incidents include vandalized monuments, fires, unmonitored wildfires such as a 70-acre blaze in Joshua Tree, and the toppling of a historic stone wall at Gettysburg National Military Park. Illegal activities like base jumping continue, with three individuals convicted of illegal base jumping in Yosemite, exploiting the lack of law enforcement. Traffic congestion issues known as ‘bear jams’ are worsening in Yellowstone due to the absence of resource rangers. Over 450 former park leaders have called for the parks’ closure, emphasizing that the parks cannot operate safely without dedicated staff. The situation underscores the risks posed by staffing shortages, including unkept trails, overflowing trash, and safety concerns for visitors.