In a recent court hearing, Hollywood actor Pierce Brosnan confessed to straying from a designated trail in a thermal area during his visit to Yellowstone National Park on November 1, 2023. According to The Associated Press, the 70-year-old actor phoned into the hearing to enter his guilty plea and listen to the court's decision on fines.

The charges against Brosnan included "foot travel in all thermal areas and w/in Yellowstone Canyon confined to trails" and "violating closures and use limits". Although the petty offense for violating closures and use limits was dismissed by U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie Hambrick, Brosnan was fined $500 and instructed to make a $1,000 donation to Yellowstone Forever, a non-profit organization that supports the national park, by April 1.

Prior to his guilty plea, Brosnan's attorney had appeared in court on his behalf on January 4, entering a not guilty plea on his behalf. The attorney had requested a trial, filing a waiver of appearance at the arraignment. However, on January 10, the originally scheduled hearing for January 23 was vacated, as per the notice posted.

Yellowstone National Park authorities take violations of park regulations seriously to ensure visitor safety. The regulations for thermal areas state that travel through these areas after dark is prohibited. Additionally, stock animals are not allowed in thermal areas, and altering or placing objects in thermal features is strictly forbidden. Swimming, soaking, or bathing in waters solely of thermal origin is also prohibited.

The park's website emphasizes the danger of straying from designated walking areas in thermal regions, highlighting the fact that the ground may only have a thin crust above boiling hot springs. Hazards can suddenly emerge overnight, and the acidic pools can even burn through footwear. The park service has established boardwalks to guide visitors safely around thermal features.

This recent incident involving Pierce Brosnan sheds light on the risks associated with Yellowstone National Park's thermal areas. In an earlier incident, a Michigan man faced federal charges for off-trail travel in a thermal area, as well as being under the influence of drugs and alcohol. He sustained thermal burns and is now banned from Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks until the resolution of his criminal charges.

Representatives for Pierce Brosnan have not immediately responded to requests for comment from Fox News Digital. As the deadline for the fines and donation approaches, it remains to be seen how Brosnan will fulfill his responsibilities towards Yellowstone Forever.