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Every time the tourism industry saves another small, North American town from financially going down the drain another species of sensitive wildlife is put at risk of destruction. Whether it is from population growth, increased road traffic, or large recreational facilities, the tourism industry contributes to the eradication of wildlife or its environment, one way or another.

Unfortunately, one of the largest effects that the tourism industry has on the destruction of wildlife is the increased interest tourism has created in the smaller rural areas that have been heavily promoted by tourism in the last few years. Small communities that double in population over the summer months because of the attractions the tourism industry provides are becoming more popular as full time homes for many that once only visited as guests.

Large, undeveloped areas once inhabited by wildlife are torn up for condos and gated communities to house the influx of people. Properties previously used for grazing of farm animals that also where home to many different species of wildlife are being subdivided, developed, and sold off to make room for this growth of population, pushing animals farther and farther from water and familiar hunting grounds.

With less and less viable water sources in the mountains during the dry, summer months that are so normal of today, wildlife is found to leave the safeness of their treed homes in search of fresh, plentiful water sources. This search tends to lead them across busy road ways and highways that have subsequently crossed migratory paths of the different species of wildlife of that region, killing thousands of wild animals every year.

Another aspect of tourism that largely contributes to the destruction of wildlife includes some of our oldest sports and past times prominent to North America. Hundreds plus acres are needed to accommodate recreational properties necessary for activities such as skiing or golf. Even with the many facilities already operating, new golf courses and ski hills keep popping up. Many of these projects promote the environmentally friendly nature of their development and building practices; however, this is seldom the case.

Certain niches of the tourism industry, unfortunately, also promote the destruction of wildlife. These niches include hunting and other destructive hobbies that threaten wildlife and their habitats. Hunting lodges and expeditions top this list, offering guided tours and packages to satisfy the taste of every hunter.

Although the tourism industry is essential to the financial growth of many of these small towns which rely on the income generated by it, nature and wildlife does not need to be destroyed in the process and must be considered foremost in the future.

Learn more about this author, Jessica A. Tucker.
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