Yosemite National Park is experiencing a surge in illegal activities as a result of the ongoing federal government shutdown that began on October 1. With limited ranger patrols, squatters have taken over campgrounds, and visitors are flouting park rules, according to a park employee who spoke to SFGATE .

“There are lots of squatters in the campgrounds,” the employee told SFGATE . “There are lots of people that truly believe they can do whatever they want because of the lack of rangers. They’ve told us.”

The shutdown has left Yosemite with significantly reduced staff, making it difficult to enforce regulations designed to protect both visitors and the park's natural resources. Illegal BASE jumping from El Capitan and climbing Half Dome without permits have become more frequent

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