According to the park, a witness saw the man step off the boardwalk, walk on the terrace formation near Liberty Cap and collect thermal water. The witness also said the man broke through travertine crust, which is very fragile.
When the man was interviewed by law officials, the Chinese national said he didn't read the safety information provided as he entered the park. He also admitted to taking water from the hot springs.
The man was issued a federal violation notice, requiring an appearance in the Yellowstone Justice Center Court.
"Park employees call on all visitors to protect their park and protect themselves," Yellowstone Park officials said in a news release. "Regulations to stay on designated trails and boardwalks in thermal areas are for visitor safety and the safety of the exceptional park natural resources. Without visitor cooperation, park natural wonders will continue to be damaged and more individuals may be injured or killed. It is a violation of federal regulations to collect any park resources."
The hefty fine follows another tourist issue at Yellowstone earlier this year in which a bison was loaded into a vehicle because it "looked cold." The bison was later euthanized when it could not be reunited with its herd.
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