Flags Left Unattended Are Deadly to Animals, Polish National Park Warns Ahead of Independence Day

NOVEMBER 10, 2024 — Ahead of Poland’s Independence Day tomorrow on November 11, Pieniny National Park is urging visitors to avoid leaving national flags unattended in the park, emphasizing that flags are a foreign element in the natural landscape and can pose hazards to local wildlife, TVP World reports.

According to Turysci, The Pieniny National Park authorities acknowledge the patriotic intentions behind displaying the Polish flag on Independence Day but stress that such displays in natural settings can disrupt wildlife and are not suitable in a protected area. “We recognize the pride these symbols bring, but they are not natural to the park environment,” stated the park’s official Facebook profile.

The park points out potential environmental impacts: flags left behind may end up in inaccessible regions, posing risks of entanglement to animals, while the sounds of fluttering fabric can disturb birds. The park also noted concerns around maintaining respect for national symbols, as unattended flags are often dismantled by park staff to prevent mistreatment or desecration.

A similar incident in 2018 required the removal of a Polish flag left on the highest peak of the Three Crowns massif after Independence Day.

Pieniny National Park, established in 1932, is Poland’s first national park, according to Do Rzeczy.

Image: Public domain