Actor Pierce Brosnan, best known for his role as James Bond, has been fined $500 and ordered to pay a $1,000 community service payment to the Yellowstone Forever Geological Fund, along with a $30 court processing fee and a $10 special assessment for foot travel in a thermal area.
According to court documents, Brosnan uploaded pictures of himself standing on a Yellowstone National Park thermal feature at Mammoth Hot Springs to his Instagram page in November 2023.
The area is known to be extremely dangerous, with signs posted warning visitors of the dangers of thermal features and stating that visitors must remain on the designated boardwalks and trails.
The United States Attorney’s Office asked the court to sentence Brosnan to 2 years’ probation and the maximum fine of $5,000, but U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie A. Hambrick imposed a lesser sentence.
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.
Additionally, 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.
The park also urges people to protect themselves and the fragile environment by taking the Yellowstone Pledge: act responsibly and safely and set a good example for others.
The National Park Service investigated and prosecuted the case, which was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Calmes. Yellowstone visitors are reminded to take safety precautions and respect the park’s rules and regulations to avoid any unwanted fines or injuries.