(Yellowstone National Park) – A Texas man was sentenced after he pleaded guilty to walking off the designated boardwalk in a thermal area in Yellowstone National Park (YNP), the U.S. Department of Justice shared in an April 9 release.
Eric Bedient, 50, of Frisco, Texas was sentenced to five days of incarceration on March 31, 2026, by U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie Hambrick. According to court documents, Mr. Bedient walked directly on several fragile and dangerous hydrothermal features in the Mammoth Hot Springs area. Those features included Canary Spring, Mound Terrace, Palette Hot Spring, and Jupiter Terrace. The sentence reflected the extensive nature of the violation, the damage Bedient’s footprints left behind, and Bedient’s failure to educate himself about Yellowstone National Park’s 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.”
This crime was investigated by Yellowstone National Park law enforcement officers and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Calmes.
For travelers planning to visit YNP this year, the U.S. Attorney’s Office reminds the public to stay safe and adhere by all park regulations.
• Stay on boardwalks
Always walk on boardwalks and designated trails. Keep children close and do not let them run on boardwalks.
• Don’t touch thermal features or runoff
Even thermal runoff can be extremely hot and cause burns. Hot springs also contain algae, bacteria, and fungi found nowhere else in the world; coming in contact with these life forms can destroy them. Resist the temptation to touch!
• Swimming or soaking in hot springs is prohibited
More than 20 people have died from burns suffered after they entered or fell into Yellowstone’s hot springs. For your safety and for the protection of thermal features in Yellowstone, it is illegal to swim or bathe in any water that is entirely of thermal origin.
• Pets are prohibited in thermal areas
Pets are not allowed in thermal areas or on boardwalks, even if they’re on a leash or carried in arms, strollers, or backpacks. This policy exists to protect our pets from being burned or killed in hot springs. Trained service animals that perform tasks directly related to a person’s disability are allowed throughout the park and in all park facilities. They must be leashed at all times.