(ConservativeJournal.org) – Yellowstone National Park recently reported that a tourist was sentenced to a week in prison for trespassing into a geothermal area off-limits and dangerous to the public. On June 13, the park shared a Department of Justice (DOJ) press release detailing the incident and announcing the sentencing of 21-year-old Viktor Pyshniuk, from Lynwood, Washington.
Pyshniuk was sentenced to seven days in jail for straying from the designated boardwalk area at Steamboat Geyser in Yellowstone. The DOJ noted that Steamboat Geyser, the world’s tallest active geyser, is also considered the most dangerous due to it having a chance to randomly erupt at heights that can go up to 300 feet.
An employee of the park saw Pyshniuk get off the boardwalk and walk towards the geyser. The employee took a photo of him as got close to the geysers vent. When confronted, Pyshniuk admitted that he walked into the restricted area to take pictures.
The officer explained to Pyshniuk that the signs posted in the area clearly indicate it is illegal to leave the boardwalk. They also stressed the dangers of walking in a thermal area, as the ground around such areas is unstable.
Pyshniuk was also fined $1,550 and put on parole for two years. He is also banned from Yellowstone National Park for 24 months. The sentence was harsh to deter both Pyshniuk and the public from similar behavior, emphasizing that such actions could lead others to think it is acceptable to break the rules, which could easily lead to injury or worse.
The park services have always warned about trespassing in the thermal areas of Yellowstone, stating that such actions endanger both people and the natural resources. It emphasized that Federal prosecutors will pursue jail time and other severe penalties for people that ignore safety signs and enter restricted areas.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to park rules to protect both visitors and the unique environment of Yellowstone National Park.
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