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Girl takes rock from national park, mails it back with apology

A teachable moment and heartwarming story has been posted online by rangers at Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

A girl who took a rock from the park during her visit felt guilty and mailed it back with an apology letter.

In a Saturday Facebook post, park rangers shared the letter, which was signed "Karina."

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According to the post, Karina included a donation and a pencil drawing of a waterfall at the park.

The rangers replied, thanking Karina and assuring her the rock had been returned to its rightful location in the falls.

In a separate post, rangers noted that taking or even moving rocks can threaten the eggs of the park's giant hellbender salamanders.

Dear Karina, Thank you so much for returning the rock! It has made its way back to Tom Branch Falls. We are so glad you...

Posted by Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Saturday, August 17, 2019

Did you know that the streams of the Smokies are home to the hellbender, a giant salamander that can reach up to two...

Posted by Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Monday, August 19, 2019