by Donald Wood
Last updated: 3:30 PM ET, Thu June 16, 2016
On Tuesday, a Chinese tourist was fined over $1,000 for walking off the boardwalk in the Mammoth Hot Springs thermal area at Yellowstone National Park.
According to the National Park Service's official website, the Chinese national was fined $1,000, as well as a $30 court processing fee, for allegedly walking on the terrace formations near Liberty Cap and collecting thermal water.
A witness also told park rangers that the Chinese tourist broke through the fragile travertine crust. The ranger who handled the situation took the witness's statement and photos, and noted the location of the violation.
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The law enforcement investigation into the case identified the male tourist. Upon questioning, he admitted to collecting water from the hot springs, but said he didn't read the safety information provided by the park.
The Chinese national was issued a federal violation for off-boardwalk travel in a thermal area that will require him to appear in the Yellowstone Justice Center Court. The National Park Service said it appreciates the witness for reporting the violation.
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"Park employees call on all visitors to protect their park and protect themselves," park officials said in a statement. "Regulations to stay on designated trails and boardwalks in thermal areas are for visitor safety and the safety of the exceptional park natural resources. Without visitor cooperation, park natural wonders will continue to be damaged and more individuals may be injured or killed. It is a violation of federal regulations to collect any park resources."
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