A Texas man was sentenced on March 31 after pleading guilty to leaving the designated boardwalk and walking on fragile hydrothermal features in Yellowstone National Park.
Eric Bedient, age 50, from Frisco, Texas, received a five-day jail sentence from U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie Hambrick. According to court documents, Bedient walked directly on several sensitive and dangerous areas in the Mammoth Hot Springs region, including Canary Spring, Mound Terrace, Palette Hot Spring, and Jupiter Terrace. The sentence reflected not only the extensive nature of his violation but also the damage caused by his footprints and his failure to learn about park regulations.
U.S. Attorney Darin Smith said, “Yellowstone’s thermal areas are among the most dangerous natural features in the world. 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 case was investigated by Yellowstone National Park law enforcement officers and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Calmes.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office reminded travelers planning visits to Yellowstone National Park this year that they should stay safe by following all park rules: always walk on boardwalks or designated trails; keep children close; avoid touching any thermal features or runoff due to high temperatures and sensitive ecosystems; do not swim or soak in hot springs as it is prohibited and has resulted in fatalities; and keep pets out of thermal areas except for trained service animals that must be leashed at all times.
For more information about safety guidelines at Yellowstone National Park or media inquiries, visitors can contact yell_public_affairs@nps.gov or access a Safety Press Kit online.
