It was a busy year in Yellowstone National Park, with 2025 featuring 1,136 earthquakes, the formation of new geological features and millions of visitors -- some of whom left without their hats.
Geologists and park scientists juggle a wide range of responsibilities, including monitoring volcanic and seismic activity and removing debris from hazardous areas that are off-limits to the public.
"In 2025, they collected 343 hats that had blown away from visitors," the U.S. Geological Survey said in a statement. The hats were from all around the world, and although some hats even had chin straps, that didn't stop them from being blown away by gusts of wind.
A handful of the 343 hats that were recovered in Yellowstone National Park in 2025. Photo courtesy of USGS
"The most common color was black, the most common style was a ball cap, and 12 different sports teams were represented," park officials said. "With that many hats, you can do a lot of statistics!"
