California’s dazzling wildflower season is turning into a lawless free-for-all, with vandals,selfie-chasing crowds and careless visitorsleaving destruction in their wake.
And now a fresh burst of blooms is drawing even more people outdoors.
Newly released video showsa sea of vivid purple lupine carpeting the Bald Hillsnear the Lyons Ranch Trailhead in northern California, where the flowers are expected to last through May.
And without any formal trails — visitors are being warned not to crush the fragile plants and to stick to animal-made paths in areas.
Officials are also pushing a strict “take only photos” message,stressing that removing even a single bloomdamages the ecosystem.
California's top news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.
The late-season bloom comes as California’s wildflower spectacle shifts locations.
While the famous low-elevation displays in Death Valley and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park have mostly faded, higher elevations and coastal areas are now delivering the best views.
Colorful patches are still appearing in spots like Henderson Canyon Road and Red Rock Canyon State Park, thanks to weather that helped extend the season.
But the surge in attention has brought a darker side.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
