Extreme sports such as mountain and rock climbing, kayaking, mountain biking, flying small airplanes, off-road vehicles, white water rafting and sky surfing are often perceived as outlets beneficial to citizens of first world countries where risk is not a habitual part of everyday life. It is a common perception that the participation in these extreme sports is valuable for physical, spiritual, emotional, and cultural reasons. However, the perspective of local/native people and wildlife is one that has not been taken into
account when considering the implications of extreme sports. It is a perspective that will affect the lives of all humans and all wildlife if not fully discussed. This paper will address the environmental impact of extreme sports, risk-taking, and adventure racing, and the growing encroachment upon wilderness areas in relation to fuel use, erosion, pollution, and waste disposal.
