Tatra National Park closed its Jaskinia Mroźna to visitors in early November, citing bat hibernation and newly‑identified damage from tourists leaving muddy handprints.
Muddy Footprints, Catastrophic Consequences
The park’s management posted images of muddy handprints smudged across the cave walls, explaining that even a single mark can cause lasting harm.
Biologists caution that the delicate limestone formations within Jaskinia Mroźna are especially vulnerable to such contamination.
Why “Cave People” Are Harmful
“Each of us harbours a bit of a cave person,” the park’s message notes, highlighting that disregard for cave etiquette disrupts the ecosystem.
Contrary to tourist caves on the Slovak side, the Polish side’s caves, including Jaskinia Mroźna, possess a richer limestone profile, making them more susceptible to erosion from human activity.
Slow Regeneration of Cave Ecosystems
Researchers note that the cave’s ecosystem renews extremely slowly; any interference can permanently alter its natural character.
Surface dirt and oil from hands interfere with the microorganisms that facilitate limestone formation, further jeopardizing the cave’s integrity.
TPN’s Call to Respect Nature
Stating that even minor visual changes can irrevocably alter a cave’s natural essence, the Tatra National Park urges visitors to preserve both the park’s and adjacent caves’ integrity.
