A Chinese man was fined $1,000 for walking off a Yellowstone National Park boardwalk and collecting hot springs water.

The man was fined $1,000 and a $30 court processing fee for walking off the boardwalk in the Mammoth Hot Springs thermal area on Tuesday, June 14, the park said in a news release Wednesday.

A visitor reported that the man walked on the terrace formations near Liberty Cap and collected thermal water. The visitor also reported seeing the man break through the fragile travertine crust.  A park ranger collected the witness’s statement, photos, and location of the violation

The man was identified and, when questioned, he reportedly said he did not read the safety information given to him at the park entrance. He also admitted to collecting hot springs water.

“Park employees call on all visitors to protect their park and protect themselves. 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,” the news release from the park states.

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