A Michigan man is in hot water with Federal authorities in Yellowstone National Park after reportedly drunkenly injuring himself in a thermal feature inside the park.
Jason D. Wicks, 49, of Hillman, Michigan, was arraigned in federal court on August 23. He is facing criminal charges of off-trail travel in a thermal area of Yellowstone. He is accused of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs and being a danger to himself or others.
Wicks pleaded not guilty to the charges on Wednesday and was released pending a trial date.
Wicks is banned from Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks as a condition of his release and until the criminal charges are resolved.
Park rangers say that the incident remains under investigation.
| Yellowstone National Park has numerous warning signs that tell visitors that the ground in hydrothermal areas of the is thin and fragile with super-heated, scalding water just below the surface. They urge everyone to remain on boardwalks and trails and exercise extreme caution. More that 20 individuals have been killed due to falling into thermal pools in Yellowstone. Dozens more have been injured. |
How to Remain Safe at Yellowstones Thermal Areas
Boardwalks and Railings are for Your Safety
- Always stay on boardwalks and designated trails. Keep children under control and do not let them run or engage in horseplay.
- Do not touch thermal features or hot water.
- Soaking or swimming in hot springs is strictly prohibited. People have died from burns suffered in Yellowstone’s hot springs.
- Pets are prohibited in thermal areas.
- Do not throw objects into hydrothermal features or hot pools.
- Toxic gases can be found in dangerous levels at some hydrothermal areas. If you start to feel ill while visiting a thermal feature, leave immediately.
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