The U.S. Attorney’s Office recently announced that a Texas man was sentenced after pleading guilty to walking off the designated boardwalk in a thermal area in Yellowstone National Park.
A release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office says that Eric Bedient, 50, of Frisco, Texas, was sentenced to five days’ incarceration on March 31 by U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie Hambrick.
According to court documents, Bedient left the boardwalk and walked directly on several fragile and dangerous hydrothermal features in the Mammoth Hot Springs area.
Those features included Canary Spring, Mound Terrace, Palette Hot Spring and Jupiter Terrace.
The release states that the sentence reflects the extensive nature of the violation, the damage Bedient’s footprints left behind and his failure to educate himself about Yellowstone National Park’s regulations.
“Yellowstone’s thermal areas are among the most dangerous natural features in the world,” said U.S. Attorney Darin Smith. “Mr. Bedient’s disregard for the law could have cost him his life. Prosecuting crimes like this deters others from similar conduct—and from risking becoming thermal soup. We will continue to hold individuals accountable to protect lives and preserve this unique, irreplaceable landscape when their actions threaten these national treasures for future generations.”
The crime was investigated by Yellowstone National Park law enforcement officers and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Calmes.
For travelers planning to visit Yellowstone this year, the U.S. Attorney’s Office reminds the public to stay safe and adhere to all park regulations. In particular: Stay on boardwalks.
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Five days in jail is nowhere near enough punishment for blatantly violating the rules at a National Park. A much more substantial penalty along with widespread publication of the event and its aftermath would be more appropriate to help discourage others.
After the 5 days he should have been required to do grounds cleanup for a couple of weeks at his own expense.
How about an entire Summer working or 3 months in jail. That would get the point across to him and future idiots.
That or be required to give the Grizzly’s belly and back rubs. Sure hope he and his family or friends are banned for life from any government campgrounds.
As a repeat visitor to YNP for 25 years, including frequenting the pathway of Mammoth, Norris and West Thumb, these features are beautiful, fragile, and extremely dangerous. With hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, a few individuals treading on these thermal areas will change the landscape and potentially destroy the experience for future visitors for decades to come.
They could also be required to wear flippers and a snorkel to clean the pools. I think that would work.