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Cape Hatteras Park Vandalized During Shutdown

An alert said visitors have torn up National Park Service signs, left human waste outside bathroom and done "doughnuts in the sand" on vehicle-free beaches.
Credit: WFMY News 2 Stock
Cape Hatteras Light House

Cape Hatteras National Seashore on North Carolina's Outer Banks is being vandalized while park staffers are furloughed during the ongoing partial federal government shutdown.   

The Charlotte Observer cites a Thursday alert from the Outer Banks Preservation Association that says visitors have torn up National Park Service signs, left human waste outside bathroom and done "doughnuts in the sand" on vehicle-free beaches.

The National Park Service confirmed the incidents to the newspaper, and said human waste had been found as recently as Thursday outside two restrooms.

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The association warned that NPS could deny the public access, but Cape Hatteras Superintendent David Hallac says problems haven't risen to that level yet.   

The park reopened some restrooms and picked up trash last weekend. 

Other national parks across the country have reported vandalism.

RELATED: Bronze Door at Historic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Vandalized

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