A drunken Yellowstone tourist who stumbled into the national park’s prohibited hot springs Tuesday has been charged with federal charges and a temporary ban.
Jason Wicks, 49, was arraigned Wednesday on charges of traveling off-trail in a Yellowstone National Park thermal area and being under the influence of alcohol or drugs “so that he endangers himself or others,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Wyoming announced Thursday.
Wicks, of Hillman, Michigan, is also banned from setting foot in the national park — at least until the case is resolved.
A drunken tourist in Yellowstone National Park suffered heat burns after crossing into a restricted and extremely dangerous area. Getty Images
He pleaded not guilty to the charge on Wednesday.
Wicks suffered heat burns on his legs after venturing into a restricted and extremely dangerous area, according to CNN travel.
Park visitors are asked to stay on designated walkways and trails to avoid geothermal features that are often covered by only a thin, fragile crust of ground cover.
More than 20 people have died in Yellowstone’s hot springs — which contain “deadly hot water” reaching 200 degrees Fahrenheit or more — over the years, according to the National Park Service.
The spring was so hot and acidic that some of the victims’ bodies actually dissolved in the water.
About a year ago, a park worker found part of a foot still in a shoe floating in a spring because human remains were believed to be melting in a hot water basin.
Previous offenders who have survived have faced hefty fines and even prison terms.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
