Pierce Brosnan has apologised after pleading guilty to stepping off a trail in a thermal area during a visit to Yellowstone National Park in the US.
The Irish actor was in the park on a personal visit and walked in an off-limits area at Mammoth Terraces, in the northern part of Yellowstone near the Wyoming-Montana line, on November 1st, 2023.
Mammoth Terraces is a scenic spot of mineral-encrusted hot springs bubbling from a hillside.
They are just some of the park’s hundreds of thermal features, which range from spouting geysers to gurgling mud pots, with water at or near the boiling point.
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As a result, the former James Bond star was fined €460 and was ordered to make a donation of $1,000 (€920) by 1 April to Yellowstone Forever, a non-profit organisation that supports the park, according to court documents.
A second petty offence, for violating closures and use limits, was dismissed by US Magistrate Judge Stephanie Hambrick.
Taking to Instagram, Pierce apologised for his actions and explained how he never intended to trespass.
“As an environmentalist, I have the utmost respect for and love of our natural world,” he began.
“However, I made an impulsive mistake – one that I do not take lightly – when entering a thermal area covered in snow in Yellowstone National Park to take a photograph.
“I did not see a “No Trespassing” sign posted that warned of danger nor did I hike in the immediate area.”
Continuing on, he said: “I deeply regret my transgression and offer my heartfelt apologies to all for trespassing in this sensitive area.
“Yellowstone and all our National Parks are to be cared for and preserved for all to enjoy.”
