Hiker Banned from Yellowstone National Park After Off-Trail Incident
Yellowstone National Park has banned a visitor who allegedly traveled off-trail in one of the park’s thermal areas while under the influence. The individual, 49-year-old Jason Wicks from Hillman, Michigan, has also been facing federal criminal charges for his actions, according to prosecutors.
Wicks was arraigned on charges of off-trail travel and being under the influence “to the degree he was a danger to himself or others,” stated the US District Attorney’s Office in Wyoming. He has entered a plea of not guilty. Court documents reveal that he has been charged with thermal trespass and being under the influence of alcohol dangerous to himself or others.
During the incident on Tuesday night, Wicks suffered a non-life-threatening injury to his foot and sustained thermal burns. The investigation is still ongoing, and a trial date has not yet been set. Wicks is now banned from Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks until his case is resolved, as part of the conditions of his release.
Officials from Yellowstone National Park issued a cautionary reminder about the fragility of the ground in thermal areas. Beneath the surface lies scalding water, making it necessary for visitors to stay on designated boardwalks and trails while being extremely cautious around thermal features. “Hot springs have injured or killed more people in Yellowstone than any other natural feature,” the park warns.
CNN has tried to reach out to Wicks for comment but has been unable to determine if he has legal representation at this time. The investigation into the incident continues.