The importance of small actions
Why you should leave acorns behind
Source: Balpoom News DB (Squirrels climbing a tree at Incheon Grand Park on November 19)
When enjoying a fall hike, you often notice chestnuts or acorns that have fallen on the ground. However, it is not well known that these small fruits are not just part of the landscape.
If humans have ‘barley pass’, wild animals also have important food to get through the winter. These are the acorns and chestnuts rolling around in the mountains in fall.
Even squirrels, squirrels, and insects may face a survival crisis if they cannot store acorns as food for the winter.
Source: Balpoom News DB (Incheon Grand Park, November 19)
For this reason, in mountains and parks across the country, “Acorns and chestnuts are winter food for wild animals. A banner saying “Please do not take it” is being put up.
However, despite these warnings, some hikers continue to collect acorns without permission, resulting in a little-known food war in the autumn mountains during this time.
This period leading up to winter is the most important time for wild animals preparing for winter. Fruits such as acorns and chestnuts can be said to be essential resources necessary for the survival of wild animals such as squirrels and squirrels.
If humans take it away, the animals will not be able to find food and will either starve to death or move to the city center, causing other problems.
Source: Getty Image Bank (Image to aid understanding)
Squirrels and squirrels have a habit of burying acorns in the ground, so they take out the stored food and eat it in the winter. During this process, some acorns germinate and grow into new trees, circulating the forest ecosystem.
However, if human harvesting of acorns continues, this natural cycle will be broken, and the ecosystem will face a major crisis.
This even affects humans. When forests are degraded, climate change accelerates, and the damage ultimately returns to us.
To prevent such indiscriminate harvesting, the government and local governments are strengthening crackdowns. According to the Forest Resources Act, collecting forest products such as acorns, chestnuts, and pine nuts without permission from the forest owner can result in up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 50 million won.
Source: Getty Image Bank (Image to aid understanding)
In national parks, stronger regulations are applied, with violations subject to imprisonment of up to 3 years or fines of up to 30 million won.
However, some hikers still take this lightly, saying, “What’s the problem with picking up a few things?”
This is why the collection of forest products is not decreasing even though banners prohibiting the collection of forest products are hung in major forests and parks across the country and crackdowns are being strengthened.
In response to this, netizens said, “It’s a snack for us, a staple food for the animals,” and “They put it in a sack.” Humans are showing reactions such as “Why is everyone doing this when they can make a living?” and “Let’s give up some acorns.”
What are the potential consequences of human harvesting of acorns and chestnuts in forests and parks during the fall season?
How can the government and local authorities enforce regulations to prevent illegal collection of these natural resources?
What are some examples of existing solutions or crackdowns being implemented to protect wildlife from human activity?
Can you discuss the role of social media and public awareness campaigns in addressing this issue?
What are some alternative activities people can engage in while enjoying nature that don’t involve harvesting acorns or chestnuts?
Are there any environmental or ecological benefits to allowing human consumption of these food sources?
In your opinion, what would be an effective way to balance human needs and wildlife conservation in this scenario?
