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A rancher in Chino Hills, California, says a viral TikTok video has led to a surge in visitors to nearby hiking trails
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Red Bucket Rescue and Sanctuary, which houses more than 100 rescued animals, said the crowds disturbed the animals’ peace and safety
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City leaders and local ranchers are sharing etiquette reminders and posting signs to educate hikers
Ranchers in Chino Hills, California are feeling the negative effects of the viral impact after a TikTok video sparked a sudden surge in visitors to a hiking trail near an animal sanctuary. What was once a peaceful place for rescued animals now attracts crowds looking to get a closer look.
The Helen McCoy Loop is a popular attraction in the area and features several hiking trails, including the Eucalyptus Trail. But in recent weeks, locals say that atmosphere has changed after a TikTok video introducing the route garnered nearly 100,000 likes and hundreds of comments.
The video highlights the animals hikers can see along the loop, many of which belong to Red Barrel Rescue and Sanctuary, CBS News reports. The sanctuary is the permanent home to more than 100 horses, donkeys, ponies and other farm animals whose keepers say they have been protected from abuse over the years.
AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
Horses at Red Barrel Horse Rescue Center
Susan Peirce, president of the sanctuary, said the animals were designed to stay calm and safe. “The environment we create for them is one of peace, tranquility and safety,” she told CBS News.
But as more families and hikers show up hoping for closer encounters, that tranquility becomes increasingly difficult to protect. Pierce said the increase in foot traffic has led visitors to try to interact with the animals in ways that could quickly become dangerous.
“We have a lot of people who want to feed the animals carrots, apples, or throw salad over the fence or scare them,” Pierce told the outlet. She added that some visitors found it exciting to watch the animals run, but it was “really dangerous for horses and donkeys”.
Pierce said she didn’t expect the trail to suddenly receive so much attention. She is now one of several in the community calling on visitors to pay more attention to the space and the animals that live alongside it.
Chino Hills city leaders also shared trail etiquette reminders on the city’s website and social media channels. To help visitors understand the dangers, Pierce and other ranchers have erected educational signs near the trails.
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Pierce said that as rangers work with the city to find ways to better protect the preserve, she wants people to stop and think before trying to feed or scare the animals.
The shelter has been contacted for comment.
Read the original article on People
