Don't Pee On A Geyser

Park Service cites tresspassers after Yellowstone webcam watchers caught them urinating on Old Faithful

In the annals of stupid human ideas, peeing on a geyser has to rank pretty high. In fact, trespassing anywhere near a giant natural fountain that spews scalding-hot water seems like a bad call. Nevertheless, six dudes received citations from Yellowstone National Park rangers on May 4 for going off trail one evening and venturing too close to Old Faithful. Two of the six also got in trouble for, yes, peeing on Old Faithful.

The manner in which they were caught is almost as strange: Old Faithful has two webcams pointed at it streaming live video and photos at all times; Old Faithful buffs watching from outside the park called rangers to report the wizzing weasels. Park officials were naturally pumped about these interactive watchdogs.

"This is a good example of the public having a stake in ownership and stewardship of places like Yellowstone," (Chief ranger Tim) Reid said. "They're for the people, and we appreciate public reports that help preserve public safety and protect the resource."

All six micturating miscreants (who were only identified as employees of a park concessionaire) will face misdemeanor charges before a federal magistrate in the near future. Park rangers also note that the leaking louts were lucky to not break through the crust and get burned; every year, someone gets injured or even killed by disobeying warning signage and wandering a geothermal trap.

These pissing punks got extra lucky—imagine what would've happened if the Earth decided to piss back.

—Ted Alvarez

6 cited for walking into Old Faithful (Billings Gazette)

Image Credit: mrmoorey

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READERS COMMENTS

And to further clarify, Kim Reid works in a different National Park. Sorry for the confusion and the incorrect earlier post about someone with a similar name.
Posted: Oct 12, 2010 Andrea Thompson-Davis

Oops, wrong Ranger Reid. I was Kim Reid i saw and not Tim .
Posted: Oct 12, 2010 Andrea

I saw Ranger Reid pee in Lemon Lake in Colorado many moons ago. He obviously had been in the cold body of water as there was obvious shrinkage...or not!
Posted: Oct 12, 2010 Andrea

I saw Ranger Reid pee in Lemon Lake in Colorado. He obviously had been in the cold body of water as there was obvious shrinkage...or not'
Posted: Oct 12, 2010 Andrea

The only reason It was done was B/c we had a lil to much to drink and where not thinkin about what could happen. What we did was dumb and we feel stuid and are deeply sorry for what we did.
Posted: May 27, 2010 Anonymous

I would definitely make the do community service hours in Yellowstone Park. They obviously need to learn respect.
The film of them needs to be posted on YouTube. The embarrassment will make them think about thier actions in the future.

Barbara
www.riverbanksoutstore.com
Posted: May 19, 2009 Adventurous Barbara

Imagine? Hmm, I think they would've been CHONKED - BIG TIME!
Posted: May 15, 2009 Jablon

IPIOF = I Pissed In Old Faithful

Not a fraternity.

Get it now?
Posted: May 15, 2009 Anonymous

don't get it. IPIOF? why is that a fraternity?
Posted: May 13, 2009 yellfan