Man Sentenced To Jail In June For Ignoring Yellowstone Rules

It never fails that there is a tourist who goes against the rules of Yellowstone and this year was no exception.

In April a Washington man Viktor Pyshniuk left the boardwalk and was walking well past the barriers for Norris Geyser Basin. This geyser is on the southeastern side of the park.

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The Dangers Of Yellowstone

An employee of the park took a photo of Pyshniuk who had walked up a hill and was within 20 feet of the Steamboat Geyser's steam vent. He reportedly told a National Park Officer that he was only taking photos.

According to the Bozeman Daily Chronicle Pyshniuk was sentenced in June not only to 7 days in jail but also a two year ban from the park and a fine of $1,550.

Why Was He Sentence To Jail For Walking Off The Boardwalk?

The judge that held the sentencing, Magistrate Judge Stephanie Hambrick said the sentence was to serve as a warning to him and to the public the dangers of leaving the boardwalk.

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Yellowstone National Park also stated that Steamboat is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the park and is one of the most dangerous with eruptions between six and 300 feet high.

While the overall number of instances seems to be lower this year I am glad that Yellowstone and the justice system are taking it seriously. Hopefully this means sentencing will prevent more people following suit.