Tourists sent to jail for misbehaving at Yellowstone
Yellowstone isn't the only public park with steep punishments for violating the rules. Most national parks have similar policies, both in Canada and the U.S.
Yellowstone National Park in Montana is a beautiful place to visit, but it can also be dangerous. Filled with thermal springs, large cliffs, and wildlife, there are plenty of ways a tourist can get hurt.
Visitors who violate park rules by going off a regulated path and interacting too closely with an attraction can face fines or jail time.
It can happen to anyone: In March 2024, actor Pierce Brosnan had to pay a $500 fine and a $1000 community service payment to the Yellowstone Forever Geological Fund after pleading guilty to "foot travel in a thermal area."
"According to court documents, on or about Nov. 1, 2023, Brosnan uploaded pictures to his Instagram page of himself standing on a Yellowstone National Park thermal feature at Mammoth Hot Springs," reads a statement from the National Park Service (NPS).
"There are signs posted in the area that warn visitors of the dangers of thermal features and state that visitors must remain on the designated boardwalks and trails."
But year after year, some tourists don't get the message.
In late March of this year, the U.S. District Attorney's Office noted recent arrests of misbehaving visitors sentenced to jail time.
Tourists sent to jail for violating Yellowstone rules
A 44-year-old woman from Seattle, Washington was sentenced to seven days in jail for leaving the boardwalk and walking within three metres onto the cone of the Old Faithful geyser.
And 25-year-old man from Doraville, Georgia was also sentenced to seven days in jail and five years unsupervised probation including a ban from Yellowstone.
He drove off a designated roadway and parked his car in a thermal area, causing damage to park resources.
Tourists beware
Yellowstone isn't the only public park with steep punishments for violating the rules. Most national parks have similar policies, both in Canada and the U.S.
Here in Canada, people can face steep fines for irresponsibly interacting with wildlife at Parks Canada sites.
For example, it is illegal to feed, entice, or disturb wildlife in a Canadian national park. Violators could face charges, court appearances, and fines up to $25,000.