You may have never heard of them, but California's Devil's Hole Pupfish is one of the most critically endangered fish on the planet. Believed to have survived in the same Mojave Desert location for tens of thousands of years in a harsh location, these fish are truly unique. There is believed to be only 115 of these slow moving, inch long blue fish left in the world. Their habitat, located in a protected area of Death Valley National Park, is an example of how resilient nature can be even in the most unlikely environments.
On the night of April 30, 2016, three men broke into the protected area after spending time in the forest drinking and hunting rabbits. They fired at least 10 shots into 2 gate locks, 2 survailence cameras and electronic sensors. Not satisfied with their debauchery, they also damaged scientific equipment. Once inside the protected area, one man undressed and stepped into the fragile environment of this rare creature. His actions upset algae, stressed out the fish, and ultimately caused the death of one Devil's Hole Pupfish. Specialists believe he may have even stepped on vulnerable eggs critical to the continuation of the species. Left in the wake of this night of disregard for nature were beer cans, dirty underwear, vomit, and the loss of one of natures few surviving Devil's Hole Pupfish.
I am outraged that these men could be so inconsiderate to the needs of our planet. What they did was malicious, violent, and intentionally hurtful. Endangering a protected species in such a way deserves the highest punishment.
