Yellowstone National Park fined actor Pierce Brosnan and is making him pay several fees because he walked through an off-limits thermal area in the park.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) in the District of Wyoming stated that Brosnan, 70, was fined $500 for the incident and must also pay a $1,000 community service payment to the Yellowstone Forever Geological Fund. Additionally, he needs to pay a $30 court processing fee and a $10 special assessment.
Brosnan, a resident of Malibu, Calif., admitted to foot travel in a thermal area of the park “on or about Nov. 1, 2023.” The actor shared photos of himself on his Instagram page standing on a thermal feature at Mammoth Hot Springs, according to the release.
The DOJ stated there are signs in that area warning visitors of the risks of thermal features and instructing tourists to stay on the designated boardwalks and trails in the area.
The U.S. attorney’s office requested the court to sentence Brosnan to two years of probation and the maximum fine of $5,000.
“The National Park Service (NPS) reminds Yellowstone visitors that the ground in thermal areas is fragile and thin, and scalding water is just below the surface. Therefore, trespassing on thermal features is dangerous and can harm delicate natural resources within the park,” according to the release.
“Furthermore, the park was established primarily to protect these hydrothermal areas. NPS encourages visitors to exercise extreme caution around thermal features by staying on boardwalks and trails,” it continued.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie A. Hambrick imposed Brosnan’s sentence Wednesday in Mammoth, Wyo.
In a post online, Brosnan referred to himself as an environmentalist and said he has the “utmost respect and love for our natural world.”
“However, I made an impulsive mistake – one that I do not take lightly – when entering a thermal area covered in snow in Yellowstone National Park to take a photograph. I did not see a ‘No Trespassing’ sign posted that warning of danger nor did I hike in the immediate area,” his post said.
“I deeply regret my transgression and offer my heartfelt apologies to all for trespassing in this sensitive area,” he continued. “Yellowstone and all our National Parks are to be cared for and preserved for all to enjoy. #StayOnThePath.”
