Pierce Brosnan Pleads Guilty in Yellowstone Trespassing Charge

The saga of Pierce Brosnan trespassing in an off-limits thermal springs area in Yellowstone National Park has come to an end with the actor taking a guilty plea deal.

In the incident, which occurred back on Nov. 1, 2023, Brosnan was cited for "foot travel in a thermal area" and a "closure violation" while visiting Mammoth Terraces. At the time, the 70-year-old had been in Montana filming an upcoming Western, The Unholy Trinity. He had been documenting his adventures on Instagram, and even posted photos from what had appeared to have been in areas that are closed to tourists due to both hiker safety and preserving the delicate springs.

Though Brosnan had initially pled not guilty, he had been facing a fine of up to $5,000 and possibly even six months jail time if he had been found guilty in a courtroom.

Instead, according to court documents obtained by TMZ, Brosnan pled guilty to one of two illegal hiking charges brought against him, and in exchange, a judge dismissed the other charge. With the plea deal, he now is required to pay just $1,540 in fines and court fees.

The story broke as Yellowstone had been experiencing a rash of poor behavior by tourists, including one park visitor who was charged after attempting to venture into the hot springs while intoxicated. In another incident just weeks before, a shirtless man was filmed dipping his bare fingers into the scalding water while ostensibly trying to get a closer look at the geothermal pond.

As for Brosnan, in addition to the fine, the incident earned him a shoutout on the Tourons of Yellowstone Instagram account, which regularly puts badly behaved tourists on blast.