Yellowstone National Park’s geology team removed a record-breaking amount of trash from the park’s famous hot springs this year, collecting more than 20,100 pieces of debris.
The waste included 280 hats, coins, toys, sunglasses, AirPods, hotel key cards and even retainers and fake nails.
Workers also removed about 5,600 rocks and sticks because foreign objects can clog vents, change water flow and damage the delicate ecosystems around the springs.
The team traveled more than 1,300 miles on foot and 11,000 miles by vehicle to reach remote hot springs, using tools such as fishing rods and grabber poles, the San Francisco Gate has reported.
Officials warned visitors not to throw objects or coins into the springs, as the debris can cause environmental damage that may take months or years to repair.
