Cheyenne, Wyoming – Actor Pierce Brosnan has admitted to trespassing near dangerous geothermal pools at Yellowstone National Park. The 70-year-old former James Bond actor initially pleaded not guilty to the offense two months ago. The incident occurred in November at the park where acid from the ground can reach scalding temperatures.
A judge in Wyoming accepted Brosnan’s guilty plea and imposed a fine of over $1,500 for the violation. The actor will pay the fine, with the amount going towards a non-profit dedicated to preserving the park’s natural beauty.
During the court proceedings, Brosnan acknowledged breaking federal regulations that prohibit walking near the Mammoth Terraces hot springs. As part of his plea deal, a second charge related to ignoring closure signs in the area was dropped. Both offenses are considered “petty offense/misdemeanors.”
National park regulations require visitors to stay on designated pathways, with penalties for straying off the boardwalk including potential jail time and fines up to $5,000. Yellowstone, a popular tourist destination, sees millions of visitors annually, but the park’s thermal features can be dangerous, with at least 22 reported deaths from burns caused by the park’s hot springs and geysers.
A photo circulating on social media showed Brosnan in Yellowstone, drawing attention to the actor’s misstep. At the time of the incident, Brosnan was in the area filming a new movie.
Overall, the plea deal serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting the rules and regulations in national parks to ensure the safety of both visitors and the preservation of these natural wonders.