You are here

Home » Actor Pierce Brosnan Fined For Walking In Thermal Area At Yellowstone National Park

Actor Pierce Brosnan Fined For Walking In Thermal Area At Yellowstone National Park

Share

Published Date

March 14, 2024

Actor Pierce Brosnan was fined $500 for walking in a thermal area at Yellowstone National Park/NPS file

Actor Pierce Brosnan dodged a somewhat hefty fine for walking in a restricted thermal area at Yellowstone National Park, with the federal magistrate ordering him to pay $500 while the U.S. Attorney's Office had sought a $5,000 fine plus two years' probation for him.

The $500 fine, plus a $1,000 community service payment to the Yellowstone Forever Geological Fund, along with a $30 court processing fee and a $10 special assessment, were ordered by Magistrate Judge Stephanie A. Hambrick on Thursday. 

According to court documents, on or about November 1, 2023, Brosnan uploaded pictures to his Instagram page of himself standing on a thermal feature at Mammoth Hot Springs, according to a park release. 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.

Among the many movies Brosnan has appeared in was Dante's Peak, a 1997 film in which he played a volcanologist investigating a dormant stratovolcano coming to life.

Yellowstone holds the world's greatest collection of thermal features, with some 10,000. The park enables safe viewing of hot springs, geysers, mudpots, and fumaroles through the use of boardwalks, defined trails, and patrolling rangers. Over the years, numerous people have suffered injury or death for walking off boardwalks or designated trails into the park's thermal areas. Park warnings stress that the ground in hydrothermal areas is fragile and thin, and there is scalding water just below the surface.

This case was investigated by the National Park Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Calmes.

Related Stories:

Spectacular Waterfalls Are An Often-Hidden Gem Of Yellowstone National Park
Why Our Nation's Most Vulnerable Species Are At Risk
Photography In The National Parks: Yellowstone’s Grand Loop Road Part 2

Stories about:

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

Submitted by Loui on March 15, 2024 - 2:40pm.

So the judge issued a fine 1/10th that proposed by the government.  A $500 fine ($1540 total) isn't going to deter a millionaire from doing much of anything.

The investigation/prosecution probably cost 10xs that in hours worked, etc.  Brosnan probably paid an attorney 20xs that to represent him.

The message is clear. 

 


Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.