United States - August 20, 2024

Cottonwood Visitor Center, along with its associated facilities including the parking area, restrooms, and Cottonwood Campground, has been temporarily shut down due to an unusual increase in bee activity, park officials announced today. The closure, aimed at ensuring visitor safety and managing the environmental impact, comes as a response to the bees' search for water during the peak of summer.

In the warmer months, water scarcity drives bees, like other wildlife in the park, to seek out any available moisture sources. This quest for hydration has led them to unconventional water sources such as the condensation from air conditioning units, perspiration from visitors, and even the moisture within bathroom facilities. This behavior not only poses a risk to visitors but also disrupts the usual operations of the park.

Park officials have decided that closing these areas is the best course of action to mitigate the situation. By reducing human presence and thus the moisture that attracts the bees, the park aims to encourage the bees to move to more natural water sources away from human activity. This strategy is expected to alleviate the immediate safety concerns for visitors while also promoting a more balanced ecological interaction.

"The safety of our visitors and staff is paramount," stated a park spokesperson. "We apologize for any inconvenience this closure might cause, but we believe it's necessary to ensure that both our visitors and the local wildlife can coexist safely."