Michigan Man Who Sustained Thermal Burns in Yellowstone National Park Arraigned in Federal Court

A  49-year-old Michigan man was arraigned in Federal Court in Wyoming Wednesday for off-trail travel in a Yellowstone National Park thermal area and being under the influence of drugs or alcohol to the degree of being a danger to himself or others. Jason Wicks of Hillman, Michigan pleaded not guilty to the charges at the arraignment hearing and as part of the conditions for his release, he is banned from Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks until the criminal charges are resolved. The incident remains under investigation and a trial date has not yet been set.

In a statement, Yellowstone National Park officials said that the ground in hydrothermal areas is fragile and thin, and there is scalding water just below the surface. Therefore, everyone must remain on boardwalks and trails and exercise extreme caution around Yellowstone’s thermal features.