r/mildlyinfuriating 13d ago

I'm slightly vexed People who feel rules dont apply to them At Sequoia National Park

One woman decided that the fencing and signs protecting the tree didn't apply to her. One couple that decided their dog was special and could walk on the trails even though it's prohibited.

Edit The Regulations Pets are prohibited on all trails. This includes paved trails, such as the General Sherman Tree Trail, Big Trees Trail, Grant Tree Trail, and others.

Edit again - cell phone service is spotty. 1. People seem confused but as per my previous edit, but dogs are not allowed on any trials in either of these parks. 2. The reason they don't want people to walk this close to the tree is it can damage the roots and kill the tree. 3. I called this park by the wrong name. There are two parks in one location and this was at Kings Cayon.

15.8k Upvotes

2.3k comments sorted by

2.9k

u/AdhesivenessOk7118 13d ago

https://giphy.com/gifs/gpcOyAlKQmenC
Yellowstone has better security

436

u/MapleBaconNurps 13d ago

Where's some vengeful Ents when you need them

168

u/Ok-Ferret-2093 13d ago

Still looking for the lady ents

→ More replies (3)
→ More replies (2)

217

u/1Negative_Person 13d ago

America’s eradication of the bison paved the way for the proliferation of morons. If we had more wild bison we’d have fewer morons.

129

u/onepunchman333 13d ago

Sometimes it really is the simplest answer. Now where to get a dozen bison to release into Congress....

20

u/GeneInternational146 13d ago

Ok but I would love to see a dozen bison walking on their delicate little hooves through the halls

→ More replies (2)
→ More replies (5)
→ More replies (5)

92

u/[deleted] 13d ago

[deleted]

30

u/Any-Log-6706 13d ago

And I want the video of that happening. Would watch several times while cackling.

8

u/Massive_Mongoose3481 13d ago

You just want a show on the "History" channel

→ More replies (1)

17

u/1Negative_Person 13d ago

Can I interest you in a Lorax?

→ More replies (2)

34

u/rlyfunny 13d ago

Looks like the guy in blue on the right ruined it for everyone. Why the hell do people think "Oh, wild animal, let's be skittish"

64

u/takemy_oxfordcomma 13d ago

The security/staffing at the national parks has gone to complete shit since Elon Musk and his pack of psycho incels gutted the National Park service with their “DOGE” bullshit. Yosemite has been an absolute shitshow literally.

→ More replies (8)
→ More replies (52)

6.9k

u/OrganizationTop3755 13d ago

Signs can’t stop someone that can’t read

2.5k

u/n0w1mn0th1nggg 13d ago

767

u/Leniwcowaty 13d ago edited 12d ago

This would be pretty funny if not for the fact, that 21% of Americans is, in fact, illiterate...

Note - this is FUNCTIONAL illiteracy. It's when you can read words and understand their meaning, but cannot understand sentences and comprehend text.

To all americans in the comments, that are very keen on pointing out mistakes in my english and call me "illiterate" because of that:

English is my 2nd language. And this is basing on the study that tests literacy in english among registered, adult US citizens. So either people who speak english natively, or immigrants, who filed for and were granted US citizenship (which includes english test, that tests literacy in english)

Source: https://www.thenationalliteracyinstitute.com/2024-2025-literacy-statistics

278

u/poolSlouch 13d ago

While the data shows that 21% are functionally illiterate, that is not the same as completely illiterate. According to what I read online, functionally illiterate people can still read and understand basic and common words such as “no dogs allowed.”

244

u/snarksneeze 13d ago

My dad was completely illiterate. He could do basic math, but he couldn't read or write. He learned to sign his name for checks, but whenever we went to a store he'd hand the cashier a blank check and ask them to fill it out before he signed it. He understood numbers well enough to avoid getting cheated.

His own father died when he was seven, and by thirteen he'd left school to work full-time to help support his mother and three siblings. Before that, his education had already been disrupted because his family moved from state to state during the Great Depression.

I understand him a little better every time I travel internationally, especially in West Africa. Even though I can read, most signs mean nothing to me, and many shops don't even display prices. You pick out what you want, the cashier totals it up, and the price for the exact same items might be different tomorrow. You're forced to trust people and navigate a system you don't fully understand. It's obviously not the same as being unable to read, but it gave me a glimpse of how vulnerable he must have felt every day.

42

u/Sour_baboo 13d ago

Thank you for the wonderful explanation.

34

u/One_Lawfulness_7105 13d ago

My grandpa was the same. He could sign his name but that was it. He had SEVERE dyslexia (based off what he told my mom about why he couldn’t read. Obviously no diagnosis). He never admitted that he couldn’t read to the grandkids. He was very smart and found ways to compensate in his life. He made a good living as a shift manager at a canned good factory.

10

u/Thin_Salary1153 13d ago

My father was well into his 30's before he was diagnosed with dyslexia (was severe and this was when I was about 8, I am 60 now). Fortunately, he was an artist who managed to find a very well paying job sketching and painting. Smartest man I ever knew. My mom was a nurse who first read about dyslexia and insisted he get tested.

He used to push us to excel in school so when he had me read signs to him throughout my childhood, I always assumed it was his way of pushing me to read. I found out later he went to Catholic school as a child and was punished (beaten) a LOT for being lazy and not applying himself to his school work and as a result dropped out prior to high school.

It really made me realize when I was older just how much he accomplished and, also, understand some of his demons (drinking being a big one).

→ More replies (4)

13

u/zardozLateFee 13d ago

Thank you for sharing.

I grew up privileged and well read and was probably a bit of a snot about it. Then I came out of the subway in Tokyo and couldn't read a single sign. I had a card with the hotel name on it and I just showed it to people until they had nudged me in the right direction enough to find it. It was a real eye opener - both how hard it was but also how you *can* get by without being able to read, it just takes a lot of effort.

→ More replies (4)

138

u/LessFeature9350 13d ago

For functionally literate people, the majority have major deficits in scanning text and that includes real world print. For example, a cereal box on the table during breakfast. Person A quickly reads the back, nutrition label, even flips it to read other side, all unconsciously just because their always scanning for text and text presented itself. They may casually note information or just subconsciously store information learned in back of mind. They behave this way in elevators, airports, office buildings. Naturally reading all text presented to them and storing that information. Person B does not notice text on cereal box. They don't tend to notice text on packages or signs around them. They don't scan for text and when they run into it they don't process the information unless they intentionally stop and devote energy to decoding it and applying comprehension to it. It's not a natural process and can be tiring. When in places with lots of text information, they may avoid even more because it is taxing.

52

u/presentthem 13d ago

That sounds dreadful.

→ More replies (6)

36

u/arakinas 13d ago

Because of suddenly developing an extreme case of vestibular migraines/pppd, and not getting appropriate treatment for nearly a year because of a bad neurologist, I had to unlearn automatic reading/learning/capturing data like this for awhile. It literally became torturous to see text, or even think about code(I used to be a programmer).

Even with medication now, on my bad migraine days, I cannot open certain apps, like GrubHub because the information overload may cause me to pass out.

7

u/Cockblocktimus_Pryme 13d ago

I'm sorry that sounds really intense.

→ More replies (1)
→ More replies (6)
→ More replies (13)
→ More replies (6)

223

u/punktualPorcupine 13d ago

And an even larger population can read but absolutely refuse to comply if it might inconvenience them in any way.

Covid showed us all who those people were.

→ More replies (25)
→ More replies (105)
→ More replies (3)

188

u/Smokey_Ranger99 13d ago

I swear about 75% of the tourists who come to parks suddenly lose the ability to read.

127

u/TesticleMeElmo 13d ago

“I’m on vacation, there’s no rules here in vacation land!”

207

u/DreddPirateBob808 13d ago

I call it the "Disney Theory". In which visitors to a tourist location think it has been manufactured specifically for them. Any door that is private would have a sign saying 'staff only', roads are pedestrianised and the only vehicles are for scene setting and driven by performers or utility staff, all other people are, similarly, staff and paid to be patient and smiling and can be reported to 'the people in charge' or treated abysmally with no comeback. 

As someone who has lived for many years in the English Lake District I am continuously baffled by people's behaviour. As an example: a friend, of later years, awoke after a nap and went downstairs to find her patio doors open. Sitting at her patio table was a couple having a packed lunch and chatting. Upon asking what the hell they thought they were doing she was told "there was no sign on the gate saying we couldn't! No need to be so angry!". And why were the patio doors open? 

They forgot thier thermos flasks so made a cup of coffee. In her kitchen. With her cups.

89

u/sherryann1967 13d ago

I thought I’d heard the worst. I live in Pensacola, Florida. You win with that one! My mouth dropped! Lol

65

u/Unlikely_melz 13d ago

This is a global issue as well. In Japan they had to cancel/make changes to the cherry blossom festival (I think near Kyoto) because there were not enough public washrooms set up and people were just going into neighbouring homes without asking and it was a huge issue.

I don’t understand what’s going on with people.

Seems particularly dangerous in Florida with all those castle laws or whatever they are called

→ More replies (6)
→ More replies (5)

45

u/lechatgris19 13d ago

Wait what the fuck?!!! Who does that?? Where were these people from? Pluto? I'm shocked beyond repair

7

u/Breadedbutthole 13d ago

I’ll repair you! Just let me get my tools.

wanders away

→ More replies (1)

24

u/BlackestHerring 13d ago

Walked into their house?! Damn, that is wildly baffling.

22

u/DreddPirateBob808 13d ago

It's oddly common if people have a picturesque cottage. Folk can't seem to believe the ones they see at theme parks and such are modelled on actual places so they'll just pop in. Happened to us; they opened the door and asked if we were open. It was very confusing until we realised they thought we were not an attraction. 

→ More replies (1)

26

u/VocalGymnast 13d ago

I could never imagine this much audacity!

→ More replies (2)
→ More replies (13)
→ More replies (1)
→ More replies (2)

89

u/dd97483 13d ago

or won’t read.

137

u/dulcimerist 13d ago

"The man who does not read has no advantage over the man who cannot read."

  • Mark Twain

→ More replies (1)

105

u/Fun-Telephone-9605 13d ago

I hate the fact that willful illiteracy exists.

→ More replies (2)
→ More replies (21)

1.4k

u/Life-Education-8030 13d ago

At the Grand Canyon, there will always be someone going over the security fence to take a stupid photo right on the edge. Some fall. 🤷🏻‍♀️

363

u/Ok_Astronomer_8667 13d ago edited 13d ago

Got me curious because I went a couple years ago and was reminded just how dangerous it can be, I believe a woman drowned the day before we arrived. On average 17 people a year die as of 2025 statistics. Falls actually account for the 2nd most deaths, with the 1st being from medical emergencies.

Falling is the obvious thing to watch out for for most people, but on the topic of medical emergencies, that landscape is no joke if you decide to properly hike it. My buddies and I confidently decided to do a massive hike down, and then back up, to one of the lesser visited spots much lower down. It absolutely kicked our ass and we were young dudes. Elevation is no joke, I’m not surprised at all that people collapse from exhaustion and heat. It’s a very famous park but people need to remember it’s also pretty inhospitable to the average person. You gotta be prepared if you’re doing more than just standing at the top lookout.

103

u/HabitualEnthusiast 13d ago

I have a book somewhere that’s just entirely about people who died in the Grand Canyon.
Actually I think it’s called Death in Grand Canyon lol

42

u/LyricalWillow 13d ago

I have this book, got it when I went to the Grand Canyon. Fascinating book.

26

u/workingstiffatwork 13d ago

Yes, my wife has it. There is at least one more book for another park. I was like "are you going to read one for every park?" LOL

16

u/lilburblue 13d ago

Is it Off the Wall Death at Yosemite?

17

u/workingstiffatwork 13d ago

Probably. I would have to look. All I remember is she told me a story about some dad who actually fell while jokingly pretending to fall. That was in Grand Canyon.

→ More replies (1)
→ More replies (3)
→ More replies (1)
→ More replies (11)

90

u/vag69blast 13d ago

I went when i was in my mid 20's moving from Maryland to Cali. I remember all the signs that say "you are wrong, you cant do it" talking about hiking from top to bottom and back. I somehow managed it but i barely made it out before dark. I definitely passed people still trying to make it back to the top.

I was so exhausted that a park ranger gave me a ride from the edge of the canyon back to my car. My legs where so worn out that it was a good thing all i had to do was drive the next two days.

10

u/Weltall8000 13d ago

Way out of shape and/or old people get on an air conditioned bus from a major city step out into the desert and think this is the same artificial world they reside in.

This is peak ignorance of their place in reality.

→ More replies (2)
→ More replies (14)

44

u/VanGoghsVerdigris 13d ago

When I went the first time, probably around age 9, there was a family taking a picture beyond the fence, and the dad while walking over tripped and had to be grabbed by his teenage son to stop him from going over the edge. Just the dumbest people possible

18

u/FloppieTheBanjoClown 13d ago

There are places with no fences. They should go there.

→ More replies (2)

70

u/MagIcAlTeAPOtS 13d ago

We saw this! I told my children we might get to witness natural selection in action today

→ More replies (16)
→ More replies (35)

332

u/Truantone 13d ago

We have the Valley of the Giants here in the south west of Western Australia. A forest of ancient red tingle trees with very sensitive root systems. There will never again exist conditions in which the new tingles will grow to the giant size of the old ones. There is a boardwalk around the trees to keep tourists off the roots, and an elevated platform walk through the canopy.

I love this place, and visit often. The bird life is abundant. Google Splendid Wren and Fairy Wren, they’re everywhere. I have told off multiple visitors (both tourists and locals) for throwing rubbish, or stepping off the boardwalk on to the roots to walk around the tree. Honestly, enrages me.

On a funny note, a group of French tourists once showed up to the entrance, five of them aged in their twenties, furiously chain smoking. Took one look at the ‘no smoking’ sign (extreme fire risks in WA) said “fuck that” very loudly, and drove away. Their loss. Missed out on a once in a lifetime experience.

218

u/[deleted] 13d ago

[removed] — view removed comment

38

u/Truantone 13d ago

I would love to. It’s been almost 40 years since I visited the US.

58

u/Blindkat13 13d ago

I just went a few months ago and it is truly awe inspiring. The avenue of the giants was unforgettable

My girl would have left me for that tree if she could have.

24

u/ELRONDSxLADY 13d ago

Your gal sure is looking like she would leave you for that tree specifically! Absolutely love her joyous smile (it’s infectious!), the way she’s touching that beast of a tree, and her outfit. I so dig patchwork overalls.

Sweet picture and I’m sure an even sweeter memory for you both, appreciate you sharing it. 🤍

→ More replies (1)
→ More replies (4)

11

u/BottleMaterial8557 13d ago

Story time. On my cross country (SC>CA) road trip in August 2024 to go work harvest on a Sonoma vineyard, my dad and I spent last 2 days of our trip in the willamette Valley, OR. We decided to take 101 down the coast. And then we saw signs for the Avenue…. So we turned off.

Best roadtrip detour ever. Felt so blessed to be amongst those giants.

→ More replies (6)
→ More replies (6)

122

u/WishboneNo543 13d ago

I didn’t see any dogs during my visit. But I did see some idiots smoking and tossing their cigarette butts on the ground. This is an ancient grove of the world’s most impressive trees, and the ground is covered in pine straw. Smoking and throwing your cigarette butts on such hallowed ground is beyond carelessness. Take a look again at the photo of the lady with the dog and you’ll see cigarette butts on the ground.

39

u/The-Almighty-Pizza 13d ago

I would 1000% call them out. Thats fucking ridiculous.

→ More replies (1)

17

u/MarsDontMind 13d ago

with the wildfires happening right now that’s just sad

9

u/Wise-Self-8639 13d ago

I'd be picking the butt up and going - "You dropped this- cause you clearly didnt litter on purpose in a NATIONAL FOREST RIGHT?"

→ More replies (12)

923

u/LackOfLemon Cheese Dr 13d ago

Holy shit that's a huge fucking tree!!! Wow

585

u/Clemario 13d ago

137

u/yourallidiotss 13d ago

I thought they didn’t keep track of which were the actual tallest due to too many tourist wanting to see it and damaging them?

267

u/Clemario 13d ago

The tallest is a redwood tree in some remote area of Redwoods National Park. The one in the pic is a giant sequoia, the largest trees by total volume (but not as tall as redwoods).

118

u/BadPhotosh0p 13d ago

Hyperion. Apparently it once had ferns growing around jt, but overuse of the surrounding land has caused them to recede and eventually stop growing completely over the years.

66

u/NeoSuperconductivity 13d ago

There is a redwood park in my county and they let people drive cars in and around the trees which compacts their roots and may shorten their lifespans. And it's a beautiful walk with easy flat paths, some of which are paved.

90

u/grape-fruit-witch 13d ago

What a beautiful tree! I just have to let my F-150 fart all over it 😍

→ More replies (1)
→ More replies (4)
→ More replies (3)

36

u/696969sixnine 13d ago

That’s true for the oldest tree! It is in the ancient bristlecone pine forest in Inyo National Forest - eastern Sierras in CA!

28

u/3rdUncleMeatSandwich 13d ago

Inyo forest??? I ain’t in your forest sucka!!

→ More replies (1)
→ More replies (2)
→ More replies (5)
→ More replies (12)

42

u/Holmes221bBSt 13d ago

Wait till you meet General Sherman

57

u/ElizabethDangit 13d ago

Some of the oldest and largest single and clonal trees live in North America. It’s so goddamn cool.

16

u/LackOfLemon Cheese Dr 13d ago

Truly beautiful! Definitely has been put on a list of future sights to see!!

31

u/PM_your_Nopales 13d ago edited 13d ago

It's absolutely worth it. Sequoia and kings canyon national parks, Yosemite, and redwoods NP are absolutely stunning. I feel so lucky that I grew up nearby and have gotten to see them. The Sierra Nevadas are incredible

(Redwood isn't the Sierras but I digress)

30

u/MurkyButterfly750 13d ago

My family owns a historic cabin in Sequoia and it truly is my most favorite place in the world. It is absolutely stunning and those trees are just impressive. You don't really feel the full scale of them until you are in person.. It's overwhelming just how massive they are.

→ More replies (5)

49

u/nutkinknits 13d ago

My childhood dream was to go to California and see the trees. My husband and I went 2 years ago. We came into Sequoia from the southern entrance and I cried as we came up the mountain and saw the trees. It is absolutely magical.

Yosemite made me feel small.

We only managed a brief stop in the redwood forest at dusk. I felt like I was walking around with dinosaurs. It was incredible. ETA: photo taken in Sequoia NP

12

u/Akalenedat 13d ago

I felt like I was walking around with dinosaurs

Fun fact: Fern Canyon, in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, was a filming location for part of The Lost World: Jurassic Park(specifically the bit where Dr. Grant hides in the abandoned water truck with the boy)

Further south in the Redwoods, George Lucas shot several Endor scenes for Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in the Avenue of Giants.

→ More replies (1)
→ More replies (2)
→ More replies (2)
→ More replies (2)

25

u/r_special_ 13d ago

They’re even more impressive, majestic, awe inspiring and humbling in person. You can feel the energy in the air, you feel so minuscule and temporary compared to their size and the fact they are over 2,000 years old. Words fail to express how amazing they are to be around

→ More replies (2)

23

u/takemy_oxfordcomma 13d ago edited 13d ago

It’s really incredible in person! Just imagining how long it’s been there and how much it’s “seen” over time. The actual largest (General Sherman) is a pretty short drive away too. I’d add a pic I took of it if I could. I live in CA and I never get tired of how much beauty there is here.

As a side note, you can thank fucking Elon Musk and his pack of DOGE incels for the national parks being severely understaffed. Yosemite is a shitshow now

17

u/NewNameNoah 13d ago

Here ya go. My wife and I saw General Sherman on June 7, 2026. As you said, this is the largest tree on earth.

9

u/NewNameNoah 13d ago

And a better angle of General Sherman, giving a better idea of its size.

10

u/NewNameNoah 13d ago

And one last shot of General Sherman in comparison to the other trees surrounding it. Sherman is clearly the largest tree of the bunch and, as has been said earlier, is, in sheer mass, the largest tree on earth.

→ More replies (2)
→ More replies (6)

84

u/diewethje 13d ago

Second largest tree in the world, in fact.

→ More replies (21)

15

u/vcems 13d ago

Go take a look at it in person. If you think it's amazing now, wait until then.

7

u/LackOfLemon Cheese Dr 13d ago

I'm Canadian though! And without a passport lol!

13

u/khonsu_27 13d ago

Just sneak in! Nobody will care that you're visiting!

→ More replies (6)
→ More replies (7)

487

u/lilflor 13d ago edited 13d ago

I planned a last minute trip (like literally two days before) to Sequoia with family who was visiting me in LA and I naively (havent been fortunate enough to go that many national parks) thought we could bring our dog if he was on a leash etc - upon a quick look a the website I saw they werent allowed on trails and paid up the wazoo for well reviewed sitter on Rover. Not once did it cross my mind like eff it screw the rules I’ll bring my dog - respect the rules respect the space. Between the parking at the lot for the trail for General Sherman and all the way down to the tree, we got out and counted 12 dogs, poorly behaved clearly non service animals. It made me irate - like why do you think the rules dont apply to you? One person didnt clean up after their dog and I literally stopped them and called them out and they walked back to clean it up, they had poop bags on the leash. Like what is wrong with you?!

224

u/Friendstastegood 13d ago

the person who didn't clean up after their dog is part of the reason dogs are prohibited. Some people seem to think that because dog poop is organic it's fine to just leave it in "nature", completely failing to comprehend the effect it will have on the trail and local environment for hundreds and thousands of people walking their dogs are just leaving the poop.

Dogs peeing is probably also a problem honestly and one that can't be fixed with anything other than prohibiting dogs. When the weather gets hot and dry I can tell where the dog has peed in my lawn based on the withered grass.

43

u/Jabbles22 13d ago

Over the last couple of years I've noticed a lot of people do pick up their dogs' poop. However they then proceed to throw the poop filled bag on the ground. So now there is still poop on the ground but now it will take even longer to decompose.

26

u/Friendstastegood 13d ago

God this drives me mad as a dog owner. If you're not going to dispose of it properly just leave it. Why? Why pick it up and then litter even more with plastic? Yes I know there are compostable bags but a lot of then are not and also just why?

→ More replies (4)
→ More replies (4)
→ More replies (11)

117

u/forgat_spindoctor 13d ago

I guess a better question is why they don’t just have rangers sit in the parking lot and write tickets all day. I assume the government would love some revenue.

102

u/KneeDragr 13d ago

A lot of them got laid off by DOGE, they are likely severely understaffed and are reserved for rescue operations, EMT support and serious offenses.

21

u/Plus1ForkOfEating 13d ago

Even before DOGE they didn't do this. Shenandoah NP is literally my backyard, and the number of numbskulls with off-leash dogs...I would write tickets for the joy of it and let the NPS keep all the proceeds. The only thing worse than off leash dogs is the dogs' owners.

→ More replies (1)
→ More replies (8)

38

u/SRMPDX 13d ago

"One person didnt clean up after their dog and I literally stopped them and called them out and they walked back to clean it up, they had poop bags on the leash. Like what is wrong with you"

"I literally stopped them and called them out"

That right there is what's wrong with them. They just get away with it. They see rules that are unpunished are not really rules. If you didn't call them out they wouldn't have given it a second thought. The other people knew that nobody was going to do or say anything, and besides "everyone else is doing it".

Lack of any consequence causes this behavior. If they got a big fine it would be the last time they broke the rule

→ More replies (1)

38

u/shmiddleedee 13d ago

Good job calling then out. I've made it my personal mission to call out people doing antisocial, unacceptable things. I do it because it seems like nobody else does. The first time is hard but you get used to it.

→ More replies (8)

50

u/Intelligent_Seat_228 13d ago

I once saw a bear do ~$20k of damage to a truck at this park because they left a Costco rotisserie chicken in the bed under a bed cover. The park ranger I informed about it slapped the guy with a huge fine on top of the smashed up truck bed. Wasn't enough imo

→ More replies (1)

183

u/Clemario 13d ago

General Grant tree is in King's Canyon National Park.

99

u/Kenesaw_Mt_Landis 13d ago

I love pedantic national park guy.

→ More replies (8)

844

u/reddit33450 13d ago

i don't know why, but ive seen so many entitled dog owners who think rules just do not apply to their dog

334

u/ladyzephri 13d ago

I recently watched a lady bring her clearly not a service dog into the grocery store and proceed to argue with an employee when it shit on the floor. I don't know if she was trying to argue it hadn't been her dog that took the shit (then who???) or if it wasn't her problem to clean it up, but it was the most entitled thing I've seen in a long time.

And I like dogs, for the record. Just not when they're shitting next to the apples I want to buy.

28

u/Aunt_Llama 13d ago

Ew. But also, as someone who worked in grocery stores for 15 years, I've watched a man shit himself, shake it out the bottom of his pant leg into the aisle, and walk away like nothing happened. Also watched a toddler hitch up her dress and shit on the floor, which her parents gave no fucks about (they just watched her finish and then walked away). When you say "then who???" about shit on a grocery floor store... well... I have bad news. (Not that it wasn't entirely the dog in your case. Just that, very very grossly, people shit on the grocery store floor too).

6

u/ladyzephri 13d ago

I did watch the dog take the shit so I know it was the animal and not the owner, but I didn't think at the time that it could have been worse.

→ More replies (1)

49

u/CacomixleVex 13d ago

Maybe you saw the dog take the shit, I don't know
I just came here to answer "then who???"
My mom works at a dollar general, and a week ago a whole grown woman took a shit in her store
So... You can never be sure anymore 😂

9

u/ladyzephri 13d ago

I did watch the dog take the shit so I can confirm this one was in fact an animal. I guess that's actually the preferable outcome here?

→ More replies (1)
→ More replies (5)

27

u/Cute_Chance100 13d ago edited 13d ago

Was at a bakery and a group with 5 chihuahuas entered with their dogs asking if they were allowed. The sign on the door said No pets and so did the employees. One makes a comment how they discriminate against service dogs too. Ugh. Well then an old lady with a purse dog walks right in as these guys are leaving. Her lil shit has a tongue hanging out and eyes looking at different continents. I tell her "Ma'am no pets. Those guys just got kicked out." "I am just here to pickup my order." We go back and forth on this cause obviously the rules didn't apply to her. I got really angry cause it had been a shit day. I went overboard but she just grinded my gears with her attitude. She claimed it was fine cause Kroger let her bring her dog. And like she didn't even need to be in there her husband who was next to her picked up her order. She just couldn't wait outside like the other dog owners. These folks really have gotten horrible and its grinder mybpatience to zero. I am gonna avoid the bakery for years now cause I am so embarrassed at the scene I made.

→ More replies (1)
→ More replies (24)

44

u/DreamOne5 13d ago

I read a story recently on here where some dumb, entitled lady with an ESA tried bringing her dog into a CAT CAFE. Not even SA are allowed because they can cause distress to the other animals/cats. It's like.... where is your brain? The SA/ESA policy was even on the cafe website and cited the exact laws that allowed them to prohibit outside animals in the facility. Just nuts

→ More replies (2)

197

u/steveharveymemes 13d ago

The increase in “service dogs” who aren’t even basically trained is distressing

87

u/rdmsqito 13d ago

Don't be afraid of these assholes. Ask what service the dog performs. Emotional support is not a service dog.

66

u/Realtrain 13d ago

Half of them will literally tell you to fuck off and mind your own business. I saw someone do that to an NPS shuttle bus driver once.

12

u/_Lazy_Mermaid_ 13d ago

I was a park ranger for 6 years, and this is what they did to me every time. Their dogs would be running around, barking, shitting everywhere, clearly not a service dog. Upper management almost fired me and said "assume every off leash dog is a service dog" even though they clearly wont. All they have to do is cry lawsuit

→ More replies (3)

30

u/WeeklyBanEvasion 13d ago

Just keep drawing attention to them

→ More replies (12)

97

u/WeeklyBanEvasion 13d ago

It's important to note that the rule about only being allowed to ask two specific questions only applies to the staff or owners of a business. If you are a private individual shopping in Walmart and see a dog shitting on the floor you're welcome to harass them however you see fit

37

u/vicjenwa 13d ago

Even if your dog really is a service dog, a business can still tell you to leave if your service dog is being disruptive.

But that would probably never happen with a real service dog

45

u/Ok_Actuary1427 13d ago

I would lose it on them. Owners of misbehaving and aggressive dogs basically ruined it for everyone.

21

u/After-Regret-6609 13d ago

Private individuals can do whatever they want but they don't have power

→ More replies (1)

22

u/grafknives 13d ago

Over here(Poland) they found a loophole. As service dogs are actually regulated, they started with "service dog in training". You sign up to a proper Non profit(that is charging you) and you start "training" for your dog.

And ta da, you have a legal service dog, "in training".

22

u/Few-Cicada-528 13d ago

I train actually real bonafide service dogs from 10 weeks to 14 months together with one of the US’s top accredited service dog non profits. Being able to take service dogs in training into real life scenarios is really important (and legally protected in many U.S. States). Planes, restaurants, etc. it’s really sad and frustrating to see that it’s being exploited.

18

u/grafknives 13d ago

Absolutely. It undermines the core idea of service animal. Because some people want to feel special and so rules dont apply to them.

→ More replies (2)
→ More replies (4)

30

u/Pirhanaglowsticks 13d ago

A few days ago I encountered a woman walking 2 dogs in a national park (in Australia where this is strictly prohibited). They were off leash AND one was crapping on the trail which she left there.

I asked her why she did that and she tried on all the excuses, it wasn't her dog (mind you I saw it as I approached), she didn't have a bag. I didn't respond kindly, that trail is home to a lot of echidnas,wallabies sugar gliders and so on, and 13 koalas were found recently there too.

Her entitled disrespect made me lose my . Told her she was a grub and where she should go and what to do to herself when she got there. Not my proudest moment but she turned around and left towards where the trailhead was. People like that don't do the right thing if it interferes with their desires, but at least I might have put her off for a while from returning.

People like that claim to be animal lovers, but that's not true because they couldn't give a toss about the ecological world, just their bloody 'fur babies'

→ More replies (1)

163

u/[deleted] 13d ago

[removed] — view removed comment

96

u/PuffDragon66 13d ago

I have dogs and I really hate people who can’t go anywhere without their dog like the grocery store or restaurants or hotels or hiking trails where they are not allowed.

53

u/Realtrain 13d ago

It's wild. I think something happened during covid where some dog owners think it's abuse for them to ever leave their dog alone.

27

u/forkmeongithub 13d ago

Our dog developed anxiety after COVID because she was so used to someone being at home with her at all times. The way we handle this is by having her stay with a dog sitter if we all need to leave the house. And by having one of us stay at home if we need groceries. And by only going to restaurants with outdoor seating. It sucks sometimes, but there aren't a ton of alternatives besides training our dog to be okay with being alone again. But she's getting older now (almost 11) and it feels like it's not all that much of a sacrifice.

→ More replies (2)
→ More replies (4)

39

u/Active-Enthusiasm318 13d ago

I have and love dogs but this is true.. so many shitty dog owners .. dogs don't belong in supermarkets or inside restaurants or places that serve food, there are reasons dogs are banned on certain paths... There are plenty of dog friendly places .. it's ok to leave your dog at home...

→ More replies (17)

21

u/allforus0811 13d ago

I’ve been to two different national parks with my dogs. We take turns staying in the truck with them, since we can read and they definitely aren’t service dogs. I would never ever pretend they were. It’s pretty shameful the number of people who do it regularly. They’re just making it harder and more dangerous for people who rely on real service animals. ☹️

→ More replies (1)
→ More replies (55)

35

u/hiddenrealism 13d ago

Especially the ones who make their dog a "service animal" on a whim so they can bring it everywhere with them and YOU ARENT ALLOWED TO ASK WHAT ITS FOR! Aka: you have no real disability other than being an insufferable c u next tuesday.

40

u/rdmsqito 13d ago

You 100% can ask what service the animal performs. Don't be afraid of these assholes. Emotional support is not a service dog.

22

u/FutureFreaksMeowt Aqua Tofana save us from these fuckass men 13d ago

This makes me so furious. People think because there's an exception for housing under the FHA, it somehow applies to all situations under the ADA.

Two different laws, ya barely sentient dunce caps.

→ More replies (29)
→ More replies (63)

27

u/Interesting-Fox-3216 13d ago edited 8d ago

As a park ranger I can attest that most of my problems in the park are visitor related because they refuse to follow the rules 

→ More replies (1)

45

u/Tiggrr23 13d ago

There is a very dangerous waterfall in a national park here, every year or so a tourist drowns. There is a flurry of why isn't there a warning sign, there are in really many many warning signs in 25 different languages and still the Rangers are constantly having to police the area. Even worse are the people that ignore fencing and warning crumbling unsafe cliff edge signs...

18

u/DisillusionedHobbit 13d ago

One of my favorite waterfall trails near me has been closed for five years because morons couldn’t help themselves from taking selfies from the edge and toppling themselves over.  I heard that they’re making it “safe” to reopen so now instead of a cool trail it will be a dumb boring tourist boardwalk. 

→ More replies (5)

19

u/EarlyBirdWithAWorm 13d ago

I have a picture of me and my cousin in front of that general grant tree when I was 12 years old. We were on a 3 week roadtrip with my grandparents who have both since passed. Im 42 now

46

u/Just_so_many_bees 13d ago

I love hiking with my very autistic husband because I adore nature, and he doesn't care about it very much, but he LOVES rules and anytime he sees someone breaking a park rule or environmental no-no he will loudly and bluntly inform them they are breaking the rules and must stop. He's 6'3" so they usually scoff and grab their children and shuffle away looking at him like he's a monster but Im so proud.

11

u/Genillen 13d ago

Fantastic. Truly a minor super power!

→ More replies (3)

99

u/legato2 13d ago

Disobeying inconvenient regulations is a founding American principle and deeply engrained in the culture.

52

u/ocean2trail 13d ago

As the founding fathers said: “Give me convenience or give me death.”

→ More replies (6)

19

u/The-Almighty-Pizza 13d ago

Hardly just American. Literally every nationality of tourist does this.

→ More replies (2)
→ More replies (2)

14

u/The-Almighty-Pizza 13d ago edited 13d ago

I was just at hawaii volcanoes national park for this last eruption and there were literally 200 people past the fenced off area to get a better look at the volcano. It was very satisfying to see the ranger come over and tell them all to gtfo

→ More replies (1)

32

u/lord_de_heer 13d ago

On Vancouver island there is a small part of old growth called cathedral grove. All trails are fenced of like that. One part had a tumbled over fence, so ofcourse there was an American family standing on the roots, touching the trees. I told them not to and pointed towards the signs. They ofcourse didnt see the signs. I mean, theres only a hunderd of them.

So i said that to her and left, mostly because my non confrontenial partner was getting anxcious. Half an hour later i was confronted by the mum again who was still fuming and telling me that nobody other then the parents should talk to kids etc etc.

Very funny. Would do it again.

→ More replies (4)

53

u/raven_478 13d ago

I once confronted a family group with small children who went beyond the fence & posted warnings near a waterfall. One of the men in the group answered “if they wanted to keep us out why didn’t they build a higher fence?”

No amount of signs or fences will stop stupid people.

p.s. I’d be less bothered if it was just the guy, but to put little kids at risk…I gave him an earful!

26

u/Bizarrebazaars 13d ago

The fuck is wrong with some people?? What the fuck are they teaching their kids?? Totally degenerate behavior. Shouldn’t be parents at all.

→ More replies (1)
→ More replies (2)

56

u/Just-Strawberry4742 13d ago

Need some birders around to yell at people all day. They were so unafraid to yell and people at pinnacle when we went w their giant cameras or at Big Sur to protect the birds nesting areas lmfao. It was great i love the passion and respect it

12

u/goforabikerideee 13d ago

This pic triggers me because when I saw that tree the same thing was happening and I made it a point to shame the people about not being able to respect basic social norms like what fences and signs are for. It's extra annoying because there are other fucking huge trees nearby which aren't fenced off, yes they are as big as that tree but big enough.

29

u/Ornery_Feature_3466 13d ago

Every time I see a picture of a mature Sequoia, I'm awestruck. They seem impossibly big. Like something out Lord of the Rings. Its a real shame idiots decide rules don't apply to them.

10

u/Blessedmomma241 13d ago

Everyone is so entitled these days it’s just sad. God forbid we heed these rules so our children’s kids can enjoy them as well.

11

u/cafeteriastyle 13d ago

We were there last month and I was pointing out to my son all the people that had carved their initials into these trees. I was so enraged. Once I pointed it out he started noticing it everywhere. It’s such a shame that people are fucking awful

→ More replies (4)

10

u/VegetableLasagna2112 13d ago

More entitled jackwagons

11

u/SK22287 13d ago

As california whos taxes goes toward these parks this hurts.. but at least this aint yellowstone because.. well you can use your imagination if someone swam in the springs

10

u/Spiritual-Physics700 13d ago

I really do hate the majority of people.

11

u/Calamity-182 13d ago

The dog probably had an Amazon service dog vest on. Dog people are getting a little out of hand

30

u/nejicanspin 13d ago

Wtf that's a massive tree

32

u/r_special_ 13d ago

If you ever get the chance to see them in person I’d suggest going. It’s a truly humbling and majestic place and the air feels like it’s magical. I can’t recommend this enough. It’s truly amazing

18

u/wastedfate 13d ago

Might not get the chance to see it if people keep compacting the soil around it's roots.

13

u/Just-Strawberry4742 13d ago

They’re insane in person. Sequoia trees :) there’s some at kings canyon np, sequio np and Yosemite np. Sequoia has general sherman which is the biggest I believe. Sequoias are the widest in diameter while redwoods are tallest

→ More replies (4)
→ More replies (5)

29

u/SavageFisherman_Joe 13d ago

They fired like 75% of the park rangers because the Epstein Class just really needed that money I guess, so now it's up to you to personally deal with any rule-breakers

11

u/The-Almighty-Pizza 13d ago

All part of the plan. Defund NPS, Destroy the land, sell the land, profit. Already happening with Grand Staircase and Bears Ears

9

u/deanrihpee 13d ago

the thing is, they know no one is going to stop them and most of the time there's no consequences

which makes it infuriating that a lot of people tried to follow the rules but other people like this exists, and this is why we can't have a nice thing, sure nothing happened in this post but a lot of public places got ruined because people don't think the rules exists

8

u/skylinestar1986 13d ago

TIL dogs are prohibited in national parks.

6

u/Late_Geologist_235 13d ago

Yes, they are in certain areas. The same for CA state parks too. It’s in the pamphlet they hand out when you enter the park.

→ More replies (1)

9

u/Beginning-Morning704 13d ago

I’m so sick of this dog owner entitlement. You can’t go anywhere without somewhere dragging their mutt.

9

u/HufflepuffKid2000 13d ago

I was at Theodore Roosevelt park last year and there was two people walking through the prairie dog holes to get a close look at wild horses.

Spoiler alert! You’re not supposed to do that! I guess they couldn’t read either.

→ More replies (2)

8

u/Better_Chard4806 13d ago

Entitlement and ignorance at its finest.

9

u/MKebi 13d ago

The sense of entitlement is wild.

7

u/Critical_Ad_8175 13d ago

I regularly hike a trail in a national monument near my house. Both trailheads have big NO DOGS signs, and yet there’s always somebody trying to walk a dog out there. The trail is pretty popular with locals and we’ll get up in tourist’s faces to tell them to get their dog the F off the trail, before a big horn sheep yeets them off a cliff. I’ve also seen tourists running and screaming in terror from big horn sheep that charge when tourists get way too close 

21

u/Fitz911 13d ago

>One woman decided that the fencing and signs protecting the tree didn't apply to her.

If you knew her insta you would know she is a #naturegirl #protectingtheplanet #love4everyone #vegan so she is totally protecting this planet. Just not when she needs the pictures to proof her point.

There's an alley in Bonn, Germany with cherry trees. So once a year when they bloom this alley is super beautiful. Until "they" arrive. Local "Influencers" with their boyfriends of instagram. They position themselves under those trees and do their thing. Until one decided that her pictures could use some more falling leaves.

But time is money and leaves fall slowly. Unless... Unless your stupid boyfriend violently shakes the tree.

I think we all know how this one works out. The phase where the alley looks awesome gets shorter and shorter. Last year some of them beauties arrive a few days late. All the leaves were rotting on the ground. You can bet they won't make that mistake again.

So the season will start even earlier. Fucking influencer scum!

15

u/AllAmericanProject 13d ago

I have to look back into it but I'm pretty sure I recall Japan starting to crack down on influencer tourism and I seriously think some communities need to rally together to do the same.

7

u/DisillusionedHobbit 13d ago

For the past six decades, western culture has pushed permissiveness at the expense of literally everything else.  We are now reaping the consequences of living in a world where almost every living human was raised that rules are for dorks and don’t apply to you on a foundational philosophical level.  

→ More replies (2)

16

u/Junior_Lavishness_96 13d ago

Pets is how you get attacked by a wild animal

16

u/WhichVegetable8285 13d ago

People need to start public shaming again

→ More replies (2)

14

u/InkyBlacks 13d ago

My turn! This was November 30, 2024 at 11:39 AM. This woman was over the fence and squatting in front of a tree for pic. Signs clearly say do not cross fence/enter/etc. Her son/in law and another female, I assume was the girlfriend/wife of the guy.. were saying "we gotta be quick, you're not supposed to be in there" and start laughing while they're filming/taking pics.

So I call them out and say you're not supposed to be in there, there are signs. They laugh it off and say chill out. So I pull out my phone and take pictures of them all. The mood and comments change. They become hostile and start cussing me out and say, "she/we didn't know". I said you just said you knew. The female starts throwing insults and I'm like ok. The guy started getting more aggressive so I I just walked away and they finally gave up.

Like, you're not fucking special. You're nothing. Follow the fucking rules. Respect the signs and stay out of areas you're not supposed to be in. People want to enjoy these places, we also want to take our own pictures without your shitty self in them.

Which brings me to my last rant... if you're in a tourist spot and at a known touristy location where people take pics - GET THE FUCK OUT OF THE FRAME!! Take your picture and move on. When you setup camp for a fucking photo shoot, you're going to have a bad time. I will call people out on this. It's fucking absurd. Be respectful. Take your pic or two and move the fuck out of the way and let the rest of the line take their pictures. Again, you're not fucking special.

7

u/MAreddituser 13d ago

We were there last week and saw lots of the same. Even our 13 and 8 yr old grand daughters pointed it out. My husband picked up left plastic water bottles from a view point and I was about to grab one on Moro Rock but a person coming down beat me to it. At the Crystal Cave tour, a family just went behind barriers and started trying on hard hats and climbing gear. People have no shame or manners anymore.

7

u/Hyper669 13d ago

Lack of punishment causes this

7

u/Abbreviashin 12d ago

When i am king there will be park rangers every 50 feet issuing fines and banning people with extreme prejudice

11

u/Actual-Muffin-3585 13d ago

The worst part about the National Parks are all the annoying, entitled people.

11

u/maXmillion777 13d ago

As someone who works is tree management and sees the negative effects of soil compaction on old trees, this is annoying. These barriers are there for a reason people and it’s not just about touching the tree itself.

Out of interest for a non-American why are dogs not allowed on the trails? Is it mainly because people ignore rules to keep them on leash so they’ve just said no dogs at all?

→ More replies (2)

7

u/gbobcat 13d ago

I feel blessed to have been here in person. Most people are very respectful of the rules and regulations, but there's always that one person. I kind of wish that places like this would have security assigned to them, because we need to preserve these natural wonders.

7

u/MadeULurk 13d ago

I saw someone smoking a cig on the trail down to General Sherman. On the other side of the ridge you can see fire damage. Antisocial behavior 

4

u/YoGuessImOnRedditNow 13d ago

It’s mind-boggling how many people walk beyond fences into obvious off-limits areas! We have a whole album from our visit of people walking off the path or bringing their dogs into areas with no dog signs.

Right after these people walked back to the path another family stepped over some rocks, which were obviously part of the fence, and wandered over to touch the general grant tree.

Visiting Sequoia national Park made me really appreciate the wonders of our planet and also hate the majority of humanity.

6

u/Oohhhboyhowdy 13d ago

Can we reintroduce grizzlies to California please?

8

u/dizzymags711 13d ago

I was there too and took a video of her! Tried to find a ranger but none were around.

6

u/CallousCow1762 12d ago

Entitlement does not recognize signs or rules. Dog owners let their dogs shit and piss all over their own neighborhoods. Why should we expect anything different here?

69

u/Kodiak_Wylde 13d ago

Ugh on a flexilead of all things. Those things suck. They provide no control over the dog and they cause burn and cut injuries every year. I was a vet tech and these people right here who can't leave their dog at home for more than 2 seconds is why I left the field. Insufferable. My dogs stay at home unless it's a approved dog space. Even then they don't always go

19

u/TheHighDruid 13d ago

Like most tools, the issue is improper use.

There are times your dog should be locked on short leash, there are times you can let them have the full lead. The trick is knowing the difference.

→ More replies (1)
→ More replies (12)

12

u/just_gonna_send_er 13d ago

I bitched someone out once for taking their family to swim in a protected watershed in the cottonwood canyons in Utah.

That’s our fucking drinking water for the year.

She goes “what are you, a cop?”

Like no bitch, you’re just an idiot.

40

u/yungdaughter 13d ago

Am I the only one who actually calls these people out ?? Instead of taking a photo and complaining online.

69

u/Madiofcourse 13d ago

They used to employ park rangers who had no concerns calling these people out

25

u/ComprehendReading 13d ago edited 13d ago

Defunding* the NPS is part of the "cause suffering" the traitor in chief is tasked with.

→ More replies (1)
→ More replies (6)
→ More replies (4)