Tourist Sentenced For Getting Too Close To Yellowstone NP Wildlife

An Illinois woman has admitted that she got too close to wildlife within Yellowstone National Park.

25-year old Samantha Dehring was sentenced to four days in jail after she pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of willfully remaining, approaching and photographing wildlife within 100 yards.

She has also been ordered to pay a $1,000 fine, and a $1,000 community service payment to Yellowstone Forever Wildlife Protection Fund.

Prosecutors say Dehring was at Roaring Mountain in Yellowstone National Park this past May, when visitors noticed a grizzly and her three cubs. 

While other visitors slowly backed off and got into their vehicles, Dehring remained. 

She continued to take pictures as the bear charged her.

Park regulations require visitors stay at least 300 feet away from bears and wolves.

Dehring has also been banned from the park for one year.