Pierce Brosnan Pleads Guilty to Heinous Crime of Walking Off Yellowstone Trail

Pierce Brosnan must pay a $1,500 fine after pleading guilty to walking off the trail in a thermal area at Yellowstone National Park, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Wyoming said on Thursday.

Per the Attorney’s Office, the Bond actor was caught after posting pictures in the thermal area on his Instagram account late last year. The Attorney’s Office had originally sought two years’ probation and a $5,000 fine. After pleading guilty Thursday, Brosnan was fined $500 and issued to give another $1,000 to the Yellowstone Forever Geological Fund.

The Associated Press reported that a second offense of violating closures and use limits was dismissed.

Those who wander into the Yellowstone thermal areas are throwing themselves into hot water, in both the legal and literal sense. As the Attorney’s office noted, the ground in the thermal areas is fragile, while the water below is boiling hot, putting those who trespass in danger while also potentially compromising the preservation efforts of the thermal areas.

Brosnan posted a lengthy apology on his Instagram account Thursday, referring to himself as an environmentalist and labeling his action “an impulsive mistake.”

“I did not see a ‘no trespassing’ sign posted that warned of danger nor did I hike in the immediate area,” Brosnan wrote, noting that the area was covered in snow at the time. “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. #StayOnThePath.”